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    Home » Main Course » Quick and Easy Chicken Divan

    Quick and Easy Chicken Divan

    Published: Jan 17, 2025 · Modified: Feb 10, 2025 by Anne Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    casserole in white bowls recipe pin
    chicken and broccoli divan recipe pin

    Chicken Divan is a classic casserole that's a creamy, cheesy, and comforting favorite! This easy recipe uses rotisserie chicken and broccoli layered in a baking dish, blended in a creamy sauce made with cream of mushroom soup, mayo, curry, and a splash of lemon juice.

    The prep time and cook time have been shortened thanks to the rotisserie chicken and steam-in-bag broccoli. Simply layer the ingredients in a casserole dish, top with cheese, bread crumbs (or Ritz crackers), melted butter, and bake!

    Baked casserole in white casserole dish with wooden spoon removing a portion.

    Have you tried Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole? My husband could eat the whole thing at one meal; it's that good!

    This recipe was originally published in 2020 and was updated in 2025 with beautiful new photos, sample meal plans, and more helpful tips.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love Chicken Divan Casserole
    • Ingredients with Notes
    • Recipe Variations
    • How to Make Chicken Divan
    • Recipe Tips
    • Serving Tips
    • Presentation Tips
    • How to Make Ahead
    • Easy Meal Plan Ideas
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Chicken Dinner Recipes to Try
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Why You'll Love Chicken Divan Casserole

    Quick? Yep. What I particularly like about this recipe is how quick and easy it is. I'm a huge fan of store-bought rotisserie chicken.  It's a super time saver because it's already cooked and it tastes great, too!

    Less prep? Yep Using microwave, steam-in-the-bag broccoli florets cut down on prep. Am I starting to convince you to make this fabulous casserole? 

    Dinner in under an hour? Yep. Your delicious dinner is ready in about 40 minutes and makes 6 servings. Need a side dish? Try these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon!

    Ingredients with Notes

    Below the photo are some helpful notes about the key ingredients.

    A labeled photo of all ingredients measured out in individual containers.

    Rotisserie chicken - use the regular flavor for best results. I found a great YouTube video with some great tips on how to break down a rotisserie chicken.

    Broccoli florets - use the steam in bag version for easy prep.

    Mayonnaise and cream of mushroom soup - creates a velvety smooth sauce.

    Curry powder - adds a warm, ever so light spiciness to the chicken divan. It adds a little something special to the richness of the sauce. I highly recommend using it!

    Lemon juice - adds a fantastic little zing.

    Shredded cheddar cheese - no casserole is complete without a cheese topping (wink). Try shredding your own cheese...the flavor and texture are much better than the pre-shredded stuff!

    Panko bread crumbs - larger and crispier bits of bread crumbs than the regular kind! Use your leftover panko bread crumbs to make these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders!

    Butter - to make the pork rinds/breadcrumbs more crunchy.

    Recipe Variations

    • Instead of rotisserie chicken, you can use 3-4 cooked chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use leftover turkey.
    • Frozen cauliflower can be used in place of the broccoli.
    • Fresh broccoli can be used, but I recommend steaming it until it's crispy before using it.
    • Use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup if you don't like mushrooms.
    • Swap mayo with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
    • Additionally, you can add sliced mushrooms or slivered almonds for extra texture and flavor.
    • Replace bread crumbs with crumbled Ritz crackers or potato chips!
    • To lower the carbs, use crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs.

    How to Make Chicken Divan

    For the absolute best results, follow the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Four photos showing how to make chicken divan step-by-step.

    Step 1: Lay the broccoli and chicken on bottom of dish.

    Step 2: Whisk the soup, mayo, and lemon juice then pour on top.

    Step 3: Sprinkle the seasonings on top. Stir to blend everything together.

    Step 4: Sprinkle cheese and bread crumbs on top. Pour melted butter over the top and bake uncovered at 350F for about 30 minutes.

    Alternatively: You can mix the soup, mayo, lemon juice, curry powder, black pepper, and salt in a bowl, add the cooked chicken, stir, then pour into the casserole dish.

    Recipe Tips

    • Make sure any excess liquid from steaming the broccoli is discarded (we don't want soupy chicken divan!).
    • Use a box grater to shred your own cheese for the best flavor and texture. Tip - lay it on its side to keep the cheese from falling out! Watch this video tutorial for some great Box Grater Tips and get the most out of your box grater -- they're not just for cheese!
    • Make sure to evenly distribute the ingredients in your casserole dish. Also, keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking the dish, which could lead to dryness.

    Serving Tips

    While I love to eat chicken divan all by itself (it's so good!), you can serve it over cooked white rice or wild rice.

    To lower the carbs, you can serve it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a spinach salad.

    Steamed asparagus or Roasted Brussels Sprouts also work beautifully for a well-rounded meal.

    Presentation Tips

    Individual portions: Serve in small cast-iron skillets or ramekins for a cozy, restaurant-style presentation.

    Mini bread bowls: Hollow out small dinner rolls or crusty bread bowls, then spoon in the hot Chicken Divan. The bread soaks up the sauce and becomes a delicious part of the meal.

    Mason jars: Spoon the casserole into stemless wine glasses or mason jars, then garnish with a little parsley or a lemon twist. This makes it feel like an upscale, layered dish.

    How to Make Ahead

    You can make chicken divan casserole up to two days in advance.  Assemble the casserole, without the cheese and breadcrumbs or pork rinds. Cover the casserole dish and place in the refrigerator. Then, when ready to bake, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature (20 to 30 minutes). Bake as directed.

    Easy Meal Plan Ideas

    Meal Plan 1: Cozy Comfort

    Starter: A small cup of creamy potato leek soup
    Main: Chicken Divan served in ramekins or mini bread bowls
    Side: Garlic butter green beans with toasted almonds
    Dessert: Skillet Apple Crisp with vanilla ice cream

    Meal Plan 2: Fresh and Light

    Starter: Citrus salad with fennel and a citrus vinaigrette dressing
    Main: Chicken Divan served with wild rice
    Side: Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
    Dessert: Greek Yogurt Parfaits with cream cheese and mixed berries

    Meal Plan 3: Casual Family Night

    Starter: A simple veggie tray with ranch or hummus for dipping
    Main: Chicken Divan served in a cast-iron skillet, family-style
    Side: Cheddar and chive biscuits with soft butter
    Dessert: Peanut Butter Cookies with cold milk

    Recipe FAQs

    What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

    You can use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup.  If you don't have any condensed soups, or don't want to use them, I suggest using the same easy, base homemade sauce that I use for my chicken alfredo: Melt 2 tablespoon of butter in a pan, add 2 tablespoon of cornstarch and stir to combine. Slowly add 2 ½ cups of milk. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk.  Pour on top of chicken & broccoli, proceed with steps 4 - 5 of the recipe card.

    Can I prepare low carb chicken divan in a slow cooker?

    While this recipe is traditionally baked in an oven, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Spray the inside of a slow cooker with non-stick spray. Follow the recipe card instructions (except for the oven/bake references) and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

    How do you store and reheat leftovers?

    Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I prefer to use BPA-free glass containers with locking lids.  Check out this 18-piece set of glass food storage containers with locking lids. You can also freeze leftovers - be sure to use an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming.  When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then heat in a 350F oven (or heat in the microwave) until piping hot.

    Baked casserole in white casserole dish with wooden spoon removing a portion.

    More Chicken Dinner Recipes to Try

    • Baked casserole in square metal pan with one serving removed.
      Ultimate Chicken Casserole
    • cooked chicken and rice in skillet
      Southern Chicken and Rice (One Pot)
    • Blackened Chicken Alfredo in a white bowl. Fettucine tossed in alfredo sauce with 3 blackened chicken tenderloins on top. Alfredo sauce drizzled on top of the chicken and fresh parsley sprinkled on top.
      Blackened Chicken Alfredo
    • Southern Chicken Tetrazzini in a white bowl with two pieces of toasted buttered bread slices.
      Southern Chicken Tetrazzini

    Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook for delicious recipe ideas!

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know by leaving a comment! I'd love to hear from you.

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    Recipe

    Baked casserole in white baking dish with wooden spoon removing a serving.

    Quick and Easy Chicken Divan

    Chicken Divan is a classic casserole made with chicken and broccoli, baked with a creamy filling with a hint of curry, then topped with cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, and melted butter. Using rotisserie chicken and steam-in-the-bag broccoli cut down on prep time and onto your table faster!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin For Later Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 667kcal
    Author: Anne Clark | My Kitchen Serenity

    Equipment

    • Sharp kitchen knife
    • large mixing bowl
    • Casserole dish
    • whisk
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cup(s)

    Ingredients

    • 1 rotisserie chicken (all meat removed and chopped or shredded) OR use about 1-½ pounds of cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
    • 10 ounces frozen broccoli florets, steamed-in-bag, excess liquid discarded
    • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon curry powder
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    • ½ cup Panko bread crumbs or plain crushed pork rinds
    • 1-2 tablespoon(s) melted butter
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350F.  Steam the broccoli in the microwave per the package directions, till tender-crisp (drain excess liquid). 
      10 ounces frozen broccoli florets, steamed-in-bag, excess liquid discarded
    • Spray a casserole dish with non-stick spray.  Lay the broccoli and chicken at bottom of dish.
      1 rotisserie chicken (all meat removed and chopped or shredded)
    • With a whisk, mix the soup, mayo, and lemon juice in a bowl.
      2 cans cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • Pour the soup and mayo mixture on top.
    • Sprinkle the seasonings on top. Blend well.
      ½ teaspoon curry powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt
    • Sprinkle cheese and then the bread crumbs (or pork rinds) on top.  Drizzle melted butter on top and bake uncovered at 350F for about 30 minutes or until the topping is slightly browned.
      1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup Panko bread crumbs, 1-2 tablespoon(s) melted butter

    Notes

    Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.  This recipe can easily be doubled for 12 servings - baked in a 9" x 13" pan.
    Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
      • Instead of rotisserie chicken, you can use 3-4 cooked chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use leftover turkey.
      • Frozen cauliflower can be used in place of the broccoli.
      • Fresh broccoli can be used, but I recommend steaming it until it's crispy before using it.
      • Use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup if you don't like mushrooms.
      • Additionally, you can add diced mushrooms or slivered almonds for extra texture and flavor.
      • Replace bread crumbs with crumbled Ritz crackers or potato chips!
      • To lower carbs, use crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs.
       
      What to Serve With It
      While I love to eat chicken divan all by itself (it's so good!), you can serve it over cooked white rice or wild rice.
      To lower the carbs, you can use crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs, and serve it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a spinach salad.
      Steamed asparagus or Roasted Brussels Sprouts also work beautifully for a well-rounded meal.
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mykitchenserenity or tag #mykitchenserenity on Instagram!!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 667kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 58g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 182mg | Sodium: 1777mg | Potassium: 787mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 542IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 195mg | Iron: 2mg

    This recipe was originally published in 2020 and was updated in 2025.

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.

    Baked casserole in oval white dish with silver spoon scooping out.
    Cheesy baked casserole in oval white dish with silver spoon and red napkin on the side.
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    About Anne Clark

    Hi! I'm Anne, the founder and content creator at My Kitchen Serenity, a food blog focused on serving the needs of busy moms and dads who are looking for easy and delicious recipes for the family.

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    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at Anne@mykitchenserenity.com. 

    I’d love to hear from you!

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