Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

Tender chicken nestled among vibrant broccoli florets, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust—that’s the irresistible appeal of Broccoli Chicken Divan. This classic American casserole combines comforting flavors and contrasting textures to create a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying. Originally created at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York’s Chatham Hotel, Broccoli Chicken Divan has evolved from an upscale culinary masterpiece to a beloved family dinner staple. You’ll learn how to create this perfect weeknight comfort food with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques that deliver restaurant-quality results right in your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe stands apart from ordinary casseroles for several compelling reasons. First, the combination of tender, juicy chicken breast and crisp-tender broccoli creates a perfect textural contrast that keeps every bite interesting. The velvety sauce—made with real cream, sharp cheddar, and a hint of sherry—delivers sophisticated flavor without complicated techniques.

What truly makes this dish special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for company yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. The make-ahead potential means you can assemble it during your weekend prep and bake it when needed, making it perfect for busy households.

Health-conscious cooks will appreciate that this recipe balances indulgence with nutrition, providing protein, vegetables, and calcium in one satisfying dish. Plus, the entire casserole comes together in under an hour, with most of that being hands-off baking time, giving you freedom to prepare sides or simply relax while dinner practically makes itself.

Ingredients

For this classic Broccoli Chicken Divan, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds (907g) fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 pounds (907g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
• 2 cans (10.5 oz/298g each) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise (full-fat provides the best flavor)
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) dry sherry (optional but authentic)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5g) curry powder
• 2 cups (226g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ½ cup (60g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted

The success of your chicken divan casserole depends on using fresh broccoli rather than frozen for the best texture, and freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for superior melting properties.

Pro Tips

Perfect Broccoli Texture: The key to exceptional Broccoli Chicken Divan is properly blanching the broccoli. Boil it for exactly 2 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water. This “shock” method stops the cooking process, preserving the vibrant green color and ensuring the broccoli remains tender-crisp after baking. Undercooked broccoli will be too firm in the final dish, while overcooked broccoli becomes mushy and loses its visual appeal.

Pre-Cook Chicken Properly: For the juiciest chicken, poach boneless breasts in simmering (not boiling) liquid until they reach 165°F (74°C), typically 15-18 minutes depending on thickness. Allow the chicken to rest before cutting to retain moisture. Alternatively, use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option that adds another layer of flavor to your chicken divan casserole.

Sauce Consistency: The perfect sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow smoothly. If your sauce seems too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time. Too thin? Extend your baking time by 5-10 minutes uncovered. For the richest flavor development, let the mixed sauce ingredients sit for 5 minutes before assembling the casserole, allowing the curry powder and other seasonings to fully bloom.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for exactly 2 minutes until bright green but still firm. Immediately drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2

Arrange the blanched broccoli in an even layer on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Place the cooked, cubed chicken in a single layer over the broccoli. This layering technique ensures every serving contains the perfect balance of ingredients in your Broccoli Chicken Divan.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, mayonnaise, milk, sherry (if using), lemon juice, and curry powder until smooth and well combined. The curry powder adds a subtle warmth that elevates this chicken divan from ordinary to extraordinary, but feel free to adjust the amount to your taste preference.

Step 4

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli layers, ensuring everything is well coated. Gently shake the dish to help the sauce settle between the chicken and broccoli pieces. This creates pockets of creamy goodness throughout your Broccoli Chicken Divan.

Step 5

Sprinkle 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce layer, followed by ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, remaining cheddar, and remaining Parmesan. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened, then sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole for a perfectly crispy, golden crust.

Step 6

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil and continue baking. Allow the Broccoli Chicken Divan to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set the sauce and make serving easier.

Variations

Lower-Calorie Chicken Divan: Transform this classic into a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise, use reduced-fat soup and cheese, and increase the proportion of broccoli to chicken. This modification maintains the creamy texture while reducing calories and fat in your Broccoli Chicken Divan.

Make-Ahead Freezer Version: Prepare the casserole through Step 5, but don’t add the breadcrumb topping. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook your chicken divan, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the fresh breadcrumb topping, and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Mediterranean Twist: Create an international variation by substituting the curry powder with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme. Add ½ cup chopped roasted red peppers and ¼ cup sliced kalamata olives to the sauce, and use feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean-inspired Broccoli Chicken Divan that offers a delightful flavor alternative.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Broccoli Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may make the breadcrumb topping lose its crispness.

Serve this chicken divan casserole with fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, pair with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. For an elegant presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over individual servings and offer lemon wedges on the side to brighten the flavors.

Transform leftovers by chopping them finely and using as filling for twice-baked potatoes, or mix with cooked pasta and additional cheese for a quick next-day pasta bake that tastes completely different from the original.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
While fresh is preferred for optimal texture, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Thaw completely, pat dry thoroughly with paper towels, and skip the blanching step. Your Broccoli Chicken Divan may have slightly softer broccoli but will still taste delicious.

What can I substitute for the sherry?
White wine or chicken broth make excellent substitutions. For a non-alcoholic version that maintains depth of flavor, use chicken broth with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the chicken divan up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking, and increase the baking time by about 10 minutes since you’re starting with a cold casserole.

Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes, use dairy-free condensed soup, plant-based milk, vegan mayonnaise, and dairy-free cheese substitutes. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Why is my sauce separating or curdling?
This typically happens when the casserole is baked at too high a temperature or for too long. Ensure your oven is correctly calibrated, and don’t exceed the recommended baking time for your Broccoli Chicken Divan.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Chicken Divan is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich, velvety sauce that comes together in one spectacular dish. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special, making it ideal for both family dinners and entertaining guests. The combination of nutritious elements and indulgent creaminess creates a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or discerning food lovers, this timeless casserole delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, proving that some classics never go out of style.

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