Chicken Divan For The Microwave
A quick and creamy microwave chicken casserole with broccoli, flavorful Parmesan topping, and savory sauce — perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen broccoli spears ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cups cooked chicken ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of mushroom or chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup unseasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon melted butter ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Place broccoli packages in the microwave.
- Microwave at high for 3 minutes or until the package is flexible.
- Layer the broccoli in a glass pie plate.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream of mushroom or chicken soup, sour cream, lemon juice, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and pour the mixture over the broccoli.
- Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a small bowl or Pyrex cup for 45 to 60 seconds.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and unseasoned bread crumbs.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the casserole.
- Cover with wax paper.
- Microwave at high for 12 to 14 minutes or until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup. If you have leftover roasted vegetables, they can be added to enhance the flavor. For a gluten-free version, substitute unseasoned bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives. The recipe can also be adapted by using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. This dish is a classic in American recipes and perfect for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Divan with a side of rice or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Lite And Zesty Chicken 'N Rice for a comforting dinner spread. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese on top just before serving, or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. Alternatively, you can reheat in an oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Divan For The Microwave contains roughly 248 calories, with 17g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value) and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2620mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just steam it lightly before layering it in the dish to ensure it cooks properly with the other ingredients. Fresh broccoli will give a nice crunch and vibrant color to the casserole.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute. It provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Alternatively, a mix of cream cheese and milk can also work if you prefer a richer taste.
How do I make this dish ahead of time?
To prepare Chicken Divan in advance, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, simply remove the cover and microwave as directed, adjusting the cooking time if needed for the chilled dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).