Creamy Chicken Divan
Creamy Chicken Divan is a comforting casserole blending tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Made with Velveeta shells and cheese, it offers creamy, savory flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and satisfying for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the margarine in a saucepan.
- Add mayonnaise, flour, and salt to the melted butter; mix well.
- Gradually stir in milk and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Meanwhile, cook broccoli until tender.
- Combine cooked chicken with broccoli.
- Mix the sauce with the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- Prepare Velveeta shells and cheese according to package instructions.
- Combine the cheese with the chicken, broccoli, and sauce mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise and use low-fat cheese. If you don’t have Velveeta shells and cheese, any cheese sauce can work. To save time, consider using rotisserie chicken. Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used; just adjust cooking time accordingly. Add some spices like garlic powder or pepper for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken divan pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can serve it alongside steamed rice or use it as a filling for wraps if you have leftovers. For a comforting and hearty dinner, consider serving it with crispy baked chicken or a side of quick rice and broccoli casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Chicken Divan contains roughly 639 calories, with 19g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2696mg per serving (117% 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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before mixing it with the chicken and sauce to avoid excess moisture. Cook it until it's tender for the best texture.
What type of cheese can I substitute for Velveeta?
If you don’t have Velveeta, you can use any creamy cheese like cream cheese or a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella. Just ensure the cheese is well melted into the sauce for a creamy consistency.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly, and when you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.
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).