Mom'S Chicken Divan
A creamy, cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole with tender chicken, fresh or frozen broccoli, and a comforting blend of cream of chicken soup and Cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange cooked and drained broccoli in a 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish.
- Top the broccoli with sliced, cooked chicken or turkey.
- Combine cream of chicken soup and milk, then pour over the broccoli and chicken.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake at 450°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the cream of chicken soup before pouring it over the dish. If you're short on time, leftover rotisserie chicken works great in place of freshly cooked chicken or turkey. You can also substitute the broccoli with other frozen vegetables like green beans or cauliflower, which can give a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Divan with a light side salad or some crusty bread to balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier meal, pair it with rice or quinoa. You might also consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition. It pairs beautifully with Easy Chicken Casserole (My Favorite) for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken divan in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you're in a hurry, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, checking for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Chicken Divan contains roughly 509 calories, with 29g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and calcium (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1358mg per serving (59% 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 absolutely use fresh broccoli. Just steam or blanch it briefly before adding it to the baking dish to ensure it's tender. Fresh broccoli will add a nice crunch and vibrant color to your Chicken Divan.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through properly.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a healthier option or need a substitute, you can use homemade cream of chicken sauce made with flour, butter, milk, and chicken broth. Alternatively, a can of cream of mushroom soup works well and adds a different flavor to the 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).