Creamy Chicken Divan Recipe

Easy casserole dinner recipes like Chicken Divan are perfect when you need something warm, creamy, and family friendly. This classic dish combines juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich cream sauce, all finished with a buttery Ritz cracker topping for the ultimate comforting meal.

Chicken Divan is one of those timeless casseroles that always delivers. It is simple to make, full of cozy flavor, and works beautifully for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss.

The creamy sauce is what makes this recipe so satisfying. A classic mix of chicken, broccoli, sour cream or mayo, cream of chicken soup, milk, and simple seasonings creates a rich and comforting base that coats every bite.

The broccoli adds a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce, while the chicken makes the casserole filling and protein packed. Together, they create a balanced dish that feels both comforting and complete.

One of the best parts of Chicken Divan is the buttery Ritz cracker topping. It bakes up golden and crisp, adding just the right crunch to balance the creamy texture underneath.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can spoon it over rice, mashed potatoes, or warm biscuits depending on what your family loves most.

Another reason this casserole is so popular is that it is make ahead friendly. You can prep it in advance, store it until ready, and then bake it when you need an easy dinner on the table.

The final result is a creamy, cozy, and crowd pleasing family dinner that is simple enough for any night of the week. Chicken Divan is the kind of classic casserole recipe that quickly becomes a regular favorite.

Pro Tips:

• Cooked chicken can definitely be used for this recipe, which means there’s no need to sauté it first. I’d still recommend cooking the onions and celery for about 5 minutes to soften them, then cooking the broccoli for another 3–4 minutes so everything has the best texture and flavor.
• If you want to skip sautéing completely, you can leave out the onions and celery and simply combine uncooked diced chicken, fresh broccoli, and the sauce ingredients. Transfer everything to a baking dish, cover, and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Then remove the cover and continue with the Ritz topping as directed.
• Frozen broccoli works too. Just thaw it first and pat it dry well. Since it’s already partially cooked, sautéing it with the chicken is optional. I recommend sautéing only if you prefer your broccoli extra soft.
• If needed, mayonnaise can be used in place of sour cream.

Creamy Chicken Divan Recipe

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Easy casserole dinner recipes like Chicken Divan are perfect when you need something warm, creamy, and family friendly. This classic dish combines juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich cream sauce, all finished with a buttery Ritz cracker topping for the ultimate comforting meal.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, see notes
• Salt/Pepper, to taste
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 stick celery, diced
• 4 cups broccoli florets, about ½ lb.
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Topping

• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs
• 2 Tablespoons butter

Instructions

Step-By-Step Instructions

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