Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole

Discover the best Chicken Divan Casserole recipe! This easy, creamy, and cheesy dish features tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a golden Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, it’s a comforting classic that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Serve it over rice, biscuits, or mashed potatoes for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Learn tips, variations, and serving ideas for this timeless casserole recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (see notes)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 stick celery, diced
• 4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb.)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Topping

• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Chicken and Vegetables: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken, onions, and celery, stirring to coat. Sauté for 3 minutes until the chicken is halfway cooked, then add the broccoli and olive oil. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Sauce: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
6. Add the Topping: Combine the melted butter and crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs). Sprinkle the mixture over the casserole and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it over rice, biscuits, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Divan Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and fresh broccoli. The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the creamy filling. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Tips

• Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, thaw and pat it dry to prevent excess moisture.
• Cheese Tips: Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to step 4 and refrigerate. Add the topping and bake when ready to serve.
• Dutch Oven Shortcut: If your Dutch oven is oven-safe, you can bake the casserole directly in it to save on dishes.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or cauliflower for extra variety.
• Sauce Alternatives: Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if preferred.
• Topping Ideas: Try crushed cornflakes or Parmesan cheese instead of Ritz crackers.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the casserole up to step 4 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping and bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Chicken Divan? Absolutely. Freeze the assembled casserole (without the topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and add the topping just before baking.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers? Panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed potato chips make great alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
• Biscuits: Pair with warm, flaky biscuits for a Southern twist.
• Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the casserole over creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.
• Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad on the side.

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SEO Description

This creamy Chicken Divan Casserole recipe is a cheesy, comforting classic made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this easy-to-make dish is sure to become a household favorite. Includes tips, variations, and serving ideas to make it your own!