Classic Chicken Divan Casserole: Comfort Food Perfection with a Creamy Twist!
There’s a reason some dishes become timeless classics, and Chicken Divan Casserole is definitely one of them! This beloved comfort food masterpiece features tender, succulent chicken and vibrant fresh broccoli, all bathed in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and crowned with a deliciously crispy cracker topping. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that brings warmth to any dinner table, perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
Why This Casserole is a Forever Favorite
- Ultimate Comfort: Rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, it hits all the right notes for comfort food.
- Flavorful & Balanced: The savory chicken, fresh-tasting broccoli, and tangy cheese sauce create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, it’s manageable for any home cook.
- Versatile: Great for weeknights, special occasions, or potlucks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A dish that appeals to nearly everyone, even picky eaters (especially with that cracker topping!).
What You’ll Need
Gather these wholesome ingredients to create your Classic Chicken Divan Casserole:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (or equivalent rotisserie chicken for quicker prep)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken, if not using pre-cooked)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard (optional, but enhances cheese flavor)
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping, if desired)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz, about 1 sleeve)
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions: Layer by Layer to Deliciousness!
1. Prepare Chicken and Broccoli:
If using raw chicken breasts: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. (If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it.) Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes, just until vibrant green and tender-crisp. Immediately drain and plunge into an ice bath (or run under cold water) to stop the cooking and preserve color. Drain well.
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. It should be a pale golden color. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Continue whisking as the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Bring it to a gentle simmer, but do not boil vigorously. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard (if using), salt, and white pepper. Remove the sauce from the heat. Gradually stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked chicken and blanched broccoli. Pour about half of the cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli and stir to coat. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top of the chicken and broccoli mixture in the dish.
4. Prepare the Cracker Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the ¼ cup melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection:
Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the top of the casserole.Optional: If desired, sprinkle an additional ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cracker topping for an extra cheesy crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy.
6. Rest and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy this timeless comfort food classic!
Tips for Divan Success
- Rotisserie Chicken: Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe, saving you significant time.
- Fresh Broccoli is Best: While frozen broccoli can be used, fresh provides better texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
- Whisk Constantly: When making the roux and adding liquids, continuous whisking prevents lumps and ensures a smooth sauce.
- White Pepper: Using white pepper instead of black pepper in the cheese sauce helps maintain its creamy, light color.
- Cheese Variety: While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with Gruyere, Swiss, or a mix of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping and bake when ready, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing: Bake the casserole, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly.
This Classic Chicken Divan Casserole is pure comfort in a dish – a hearty, creamy, and incredibly satisfying meal that will become a cherished part of your family dinner rotation!