If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you need to try this Cheesy Chicken Divan Recipe. Loaded with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious, creamy cheese sauce, this casserole balances indulgence and wholesome goodness perfectly. The buttery breadcrumb topping adds that satisfying crunch that takes every bite to the next level. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite, this recipe never fails to impress while being incredibly easy to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Cheesy Chicken Divan Recipe are simple staples that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture. Each one plays a vital role, from the fresh broccoli’s green pop to the sharpness of cheddar and the rich creaminess of the sauce.
- Broccoli florets, 4 cups: Fresh or frozen, they provide color, crunch, and a nutritious balance to the cheesy richness.
- Cooked/rotisserie chicken, 3 cups (shredded or diced): Tender and flavorful, this is the hearty protein that makes the dish satisfying.
- Cream cheese, 8 ounces (softened): Essential for the silky smooth base of the sauce.
- Heavy/whipping cream, 1 cup: Adds lusciousness and helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Delivers a subtle aromatic depth without overpowering the sauce.
- Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a gentle, savory punch that complements the chicken.
- Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon: Gives a tangy brightness that enhances all the creamy elements.
- Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon: A secret layer of umami that boosts richness and complexity.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Perfectly balances the flavors and brings everything to life.
- Grated cheddar cheese, 2 cups (divided): Sharp and gooey, this cheese creates that irresistible melty factor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup: Intensifies the cheesy flavor with its nutty, salty edge.
- Butter, 1/4 cup (melted): Coats the panko breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy topping.
- Panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup: Adds a crunchy contrast that crowns the casserole beautifully.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Divan Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cream Cheese and Broccoli
Start by making sure your cream cheese is soft—let it sit out for an hour or zap it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This step is essential to ensure it melts smoothly into your sauce later. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil for the broccoli, and prep all other ingredients so they’re ready to go—this organized approach saves time and makes cooking a breeze.
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli
Once your water is boiling, drop in the broccoli florets and cook them for just 2-3 minutes. This brief blanching preserves their bright color and slight crunch, making the dish lively rather than mushy. Drain the broccoli well and spread it evenly in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Next, layer the cooked, shredded chicken alongside the broccoli in the casserole dish. Keeping them side by side at this point makes mixing with the sauce much easier and helps ensure even distribution of flavors once combined.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat, whisk together the cream cheese, heavy cream, onion and garlic powders, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stirring almost constantly, allow the cream cheese to melt into a smooth, velvety sauce—similar to an Alfredo sauce in texture. If the sauce gets too thick, thin it out slightly with a splash more cream. This sauce is the heart of the Cheesy Chicken Divan Recipe, bringing everything together with a dreamy richness.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Combine
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the grated cheddar, ensuring it melts completely into the sauce. Pour this luscious mixture over the chicken and broccoli in the casserole dish. Gently toss everything together for an even coating, then spread the mixture out into a smooth, uniform layer.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by the Parmesan cheese. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs until coated well. Scatter this buttery breadcrumb topping across the casserole’s surface for a perfect crunchy finish once baked. Bake uncovered in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes, then optionally broil for a couple of minutes if you want a deeper golden crust—just keep a close eye to avoid burning!
Step 7: Rest and Serve
After baking, let your Cheesy Chicken Divan Recipe rest for about 5 minutes. This pause allows the sauce to settle, making it easier to serve and intensifying the flavors. Then, dig in and enjoy every melty, crispy bite!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Divan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh herbal note and a pretty green pop that contrasts wonderfully with the golden cheesy topping. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy lift that cuts through the creaminess.
Side Dishes
While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted root vegetables balances the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic companions to mop up every bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve individual portions in cute ramekins and broil the topping at home or at the table for a theatrical finishing touch. Another idea is to layer the casserole in a clear glass baking dish to show off the beautiful contrast between the vibrant broccoli, chicken, and sauce layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Chicken Divan Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When properly stored, the flavors deepen, and it reheats beautifully without losing its creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual, adding 10-15 extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly, which helps restore the crispy breadcrumb topping’s texture. You can also microwave a single serving, covering it loosely to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works wonderfully—just thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
What type of cheese works best in this dish?
Cheddar and Parmesan are classic choices for their sharp, nutty flavors, but you can experiment with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different twist.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats well, making it perfect for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week.
Can I make this dairy-free or low-fat?
Substitutions can be made, but the creamy texture and taste are key to this dish’s charm. Try using dairy-free cream cheese and cream alternatives, and a lower-fat cheddar, though the sauce might be less rich.
What’s the best way to shred leftover chicken?
Using two forks is a classic and easy method, but you can also pulse cooked chicken briefly in a food processor for perfectly shredded pieces.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Divan Recipe is truly a classic comfort food that never loses its appeal. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home and brings smiles to the table every time. I love how simple ingredients come together in such a luxurious way, and I hope you get to experience that magic soon with your own family and friends.
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Cheesy Chicken Divan Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Cheesy Chicken Divan is a comforting casserole dish featuring tender broccoli and shredded chicken smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar. Topped with a crispy parmesan and buttered panko breadcrumb crust, this baked entree offers a rich and satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Meat
- 3 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced
Dairy & Sauces
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block, softened)
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
Seasonings & Others
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before starting or microwave it for 20-30 seconds until very soft to ensure easy melting.
- Boil broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil for the broccoli. While waiting, prep all other ingredients so they are ready. Melt the butter by microwaving it in a small bowl and set aside.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven for even baking.
- Cook broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain well and transfer to a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Add chicken: Place shredded or diced cooked chicken beside the broccoli in the casserole dish.
- Make sauce: In a skillet or medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, onion powder, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir or whisk continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and similar in thickness to Alfredo sauce (about 5 minutes). If too thick, add a splash more cream. Remove from heat.
- Add cheddar cheese to sauce: Stir half of the grated cheddar cheese into the sauce until completely smooth.
- Combine sauce and casserole: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, then gently toss and spread it into an even layer in the dish.
- Add cheese toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Prepare breadcrumb topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until all breadcrumbs are coated evenly.
- Add breadcrumb topping and bake: Evenly sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture over the casserole. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20 minutes. For a darker, crispier topping, broil for a few minutes while watching carefully.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli florets or frozen, just thawed and patted dry.
- Rotisserie chicken is perfect for quick prep but any cooked chicken breast or thighs work.
- Softening cream cheese beforehand ensures the sauce blends smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli to keep it slightly crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding cream as needed; it will thicken more during baking.
- Keep an eye on the broiler to avoid burning the breadcrumb topping.
