Chicken divan casserole is the best way to use leftover chicken. Broccoli, chicken, cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup are layered in a dish, sprinkled with a buttery breadcrumb topping, and baked to a bubbly golden brown in 25 minutes.
Why this recipe works
Chicken divan is a classic, comforting casserole filled with creamy, cheesy goodness and a serving of vegetables too! It’s easy, quick, and makes a great freezer meal for prepping in advance.
If you’re a fan of chicken broccoli rice casserole, you’re going to love chicken divan. It’s essentially the same, minus the rice, and uses affordable ingredients like rotisserie or leftover chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and panko breadcrumbs.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
CHICKEN – Rotisserie chicken works great here, and so does any cooked, cubed chicken – it’s the perfect way to use leftovers!
BROCCOLI – If you want to use frozen broccoli, thaw it first and then drain off the water. There’s no need to boil the broccoli if you’re using frozen.
ADDITIONS – The cream of chicken soup is what makes it creamy and comforting. If you prefer, you can use our homemade cream of chicken soup recipe. You can also use cream of broccoli or cream of mushroom if desired.
How to Make Chicken Divan
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Spray the inside of a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Fill a 3-quart saucepan about halfway full with water. Bring to a boil and generously salt the water. Add the broccoli and boil for 90 seconds. Drain immediately.
- Spread the chicken out evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Spread the broccoli on top of the chicken, and sprinkle the cheddar on top.
- Pour the soup on top, spreading it out. Sprinkle on the panko, and then drizzle on the butter.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake until warm throughout, about 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and broil briefly to brown the top.
- Sprinkle on the parsley and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Yes, this dish makes an awesome freezer meal. Prepare the casserole but do not bake. Allow the broccoli to fully cool (and the chicken, if you’re cooking it yourself) in the dish before sealing it with an air-tight lid (or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil). Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes in the oven if it’s going in cold.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken divan is filling all on its own, but pairs extra well with crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it over egg noodles or rice. Enjoy warm from the oven.
More Casserole Recipes
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Chicken Divan
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- non stick cooking spray
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups cooked chicken cubed or shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 22.5 ounce cream of chicken soup 1 family size can
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons butter melted
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley minced, optional as garnish
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- If you want to use frozen broccoli, thaw it first and then drain off the water. (There’s no need to boil the broccoli if you’re using frozen.)
- Rotisserie chicken works great here, and so does any cooked, cubed chicken.
- To freeze: Prepare the casserole but do not bake. Allow the broccoli to fully cool (and the chicken, if you’re cooking it yourself) in the dish before sealing it with an air-tight lid (or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil). Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes in the oven if it’s going in cold.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Spray the inside of a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Fill a 3-quart saucepan about halfway full with water. Bring to a boil and generously salt the water. Add the broccoli and boil for 90 seconds. Drain immediately.
- Spread the chicken out evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Spread the broccoli on top of the chicken, and sprinkle the cheddar on top. Pour the soup on top, spreading it out. Sprinkle on the panko, and then drizzle on the butter.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake until warm throughout, about 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and broil briefly to brown the top.
- Sprinkle on the parsley and serve.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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MiMi says
This Casserole is s good. It is Very easy to prepare
Cathy says
Is the soup condensed? Do you need to add the water?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes it’s condensed, do not add water
Sarah says
I add sour cream with my soup mixture then spread on top
Robert Leugers says
Good tasting and easy to make. Rotisserie chicken is best.
Taunya ShieldSanders says
I was curious when I saw this so my boyfriend and I made it and it is soo good. We will most definitely be making this on a regular. It is quick and easy and so delicious.
Suze says
Thank you! Our family made this tonight & EVERYONE loved it!!! Even our elementary aged kids!!!! 😁