Experience the timeless comfort of a classic casserole that brings joy to every dinner table. This exceptional Chicken Divan recipe, featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and rich cheese, is guaranteed to become a cherished family favorite.
PIN IT FOR LATER!
The Ultimate Chicken Divan Casserole: A Family Favorite Comfort Food
There are some dishes that simply define comfort food, and this Homemade Chicken Divan Casserole undeniably tops that list. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hug, a warm embrace of flavors that transports you back to simpler times. If you have a soft spot for hearty, satisfying casseroles, you’re in for a treat. This recipe promises a creamy, savory experience that stands proudly alongside other beloved classics like this Penne Pasta Bake, a delightful Tuna Casserole, or even a spicy Beef Enchilada Casserole. But today, we celebrate the enduring charm of Chicken Divan.
While this casserole might not fit into an “every night healthy meal” category, it embodies pure, unadulterated comfort through and through. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or anytime you need a delicious pick-me-up. One of its greatest strengths lies in its simplicity. This Chicken Divan recipe is incredibly easy to assemble, requiring minimal prep time, yet yielding maximum flavor and satisfaction. And perhaps the most compelling selling point? It’s always devoured by everyone at the table, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that parents and kids alike adore.
Chicken Divan holds a special place in the hearts of many, a dish most of us have encountered, or at least a variation of it, at some point in our lives. Its widespread popularity is no mystery; it’s a delicious, remarkably family-friendly meal. This casserole can even be a clever way to encourage your children to eat their vegetables – even if we’re not claiming it’s a health food hero overall!
Unveiling Chicken Divan: A Culinary Journey
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole with a rich history, originally conceived in the early 20th century. Its origins trace back to the prestigious Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City, where it quickly became their signature dish. The original rendition was an elegant affair, featuring tender chicken paired with steamed broccoli and a luxurious Mornay sauce – a béchamel enriched with cheese.
Over the decades, Chicken Divan has evolved into the comforting casserole we know and love today. While the core elements of chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce remain, many home cooks have adapted the recipe for ease and accessibility. Traditional versions often rely on condensed cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise for their creamy base. However, our refined version elevates the experience, offering a richer, more authentic flavor profile without using either of those common shortcuts. This recipe returns to the essence of a truly indulgent, from-scratch casserole, delivering unparalleled depth and creaminess.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Divan
Crafting the perfect Chicken Divan requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and comforting texture of this beloved casserole. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each item is important:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of our dish. Using boneless, skinless breasts ensures tender, succulent pieces that are easy to cut into bite-sized portions. You could also use chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor and moister texture, though cooking times might vary slightly. Ensure your chicken is fresh and of good quality for the best results.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are vital for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and the overall dish. Don’t underestimate their power; proper seasoning can truly make or break any recipe. Adjust to your personal taste, but be generous to create a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens, delivering the unparalleled richness and luxurious creaminess that defines a truly exceptional Chicken Divan. While it might not be the healthiest ingredient, it’s absolutely worth it for the indulgent texture. For those looking to lighten the dish slightly, you could experiment with half-and-half or even whole milk, but be aware that the final result won’t be as thick or sumptuously creamy.
- Chicken Broth: We recommend using low-sodium chicken broth to give you full control over the saltiness of your dish. This liquid base helps thin the cream slightly while adding essential savory depth without overpowering the other flavors. High-quality broth makes a noticeable difference.
- Dijon Mustard: Please do not skip this ingredient! Dijon mustard is a game-changer in this recipe. It doesn’t make the dish taste like mustard; instead, it provides a subtle tang and a fantastic complexity that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- Instant Rice: While I’m not typically an advocate for instant rice, it truly shines in this casserole. Its quick-cooking nature allows it to absorb the creamy sauce beautifully and cook perfectly alongside the chicken in the oven. If you prefer to use regular long-grain rice, you’ll likely need to adjust the amount of liquid, adding a bit more chicken broth or water to ensure it cooks through completely.
- Frozen Broccoli Florets: Broccoli adds a wonderful pop of color, texture, and a healthy dose of vitamins to the casserole. Using frozen broccoli is convenient; simply thaw and chop it into smaller pieces. If you opt for fresh broccoli, ensure it’s cut into small, uniform florets. For larger pieces, it’s advisable to par-boil or steam them briefly before adding to the casserole to ensure they cook evenly and are tender crisp.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The cheese contributes a crucial layer of flavor and melty goodness. I highly recommend using sharp cheddar cheese because its robust, tangy notes stand up beautifully to the creamy sauce and chicken. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking agents, so for the best melt and flavor, grating your own block of sharp cheddar is always the superior choice.
- Ritz Crackers: The buttery, crispy topping is, for many, the crowning glory of Chicken Divan! Crush these crackers into coarse crumbs for a delightful texture contrast. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can mix a couple of tablespoons of melted butter into the cracker crumbs before sprinkling them over the top, though this step is entirely optional. If Ritz crackers aren’t your preference, panko breadcrumbs make an excellent alternative, providing a light and crispy crunch.
How to Master Chicken Divan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious Chicken Divan casserole is straightforward, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Follow these simple steps for a truly memorable meal:
- Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450ºF (230ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken: Arrange your bite-sized chicken pieces evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Create the Creamy Base: In a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. This typically takes about 8 minutes. Alternatively, for convenience, you can heat this mixture in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave until it reaches a boil.
- Combine and Bake (First Round): Once the creamy mixture is boiling, stir in the instant rice. Immediately pour this hot rice and cream mixture over the seasoned chicken in the baking dish. Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to start cooking and the rice to begin absorbing the liquid.
- Add Broccoli and Cheese: Carefully remove the casserole dish from the oven. Pat your thawed broccoli florets dry to remove excess moisture, then add them along with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the chicken and rice mixture. Gently stir everything together to ensure the broccoli and cheese are well distributed throughout the casserole. The dish will be quite full, so stir with care.
- Prepare the Cracker Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. A simple method is to place them in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with your hands or a rolling pin. If desired, you can mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter into the crumbs for extra richness and crispiness.
- Final Bake: Evenly sprinkle the cracker crumbs over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly, and the cracker topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Serve hot and savor this classic comfort food!
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Divan
Achieving a truly exceptional Chicken Divan casserole is easy with a few insider tips. From meal prepping to customizing flavors, these suggestions will help you get the most out of your recipe:
- Freezing for Future Meals: This Chicken Divan recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! You can easily freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick meals later. Alternatively, prepare an entire extra casserole dish for a convenient freezer meal. If you’re freezing a whole casserole, I recommend assembling it and freezing it *before* the final bake. Crucially, wait to add the cracker crumbs until you are ready to bake. To cook from frozen, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, add the cracker topping and bake until it’s heated through, bubbling around the edges, and the topping is golden brown.
- Storing Leftovers: Any remaining portions of Chicken Divan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For reheating, you can use the oven (covered with foil to prevent drying out) or simply warm individual servings in the microwave.
- Adjusting Sauce Consistency: While I find this recipe’s sauce to be perfectly balanced, some prefer an even creamier or saucier consistency. If that’s your preference, feel free to stir in a dollop of sour cream or even a can of condensed cream of chicken soup (if you don’t mind using it) when you add the broccoli and cheese. These are common additions in many Chicken Divan variations, though I personally love the clean, rich flavor of this version without them.
- Raw Ingredients Cook Together: A key feature of this recipe is its convenience: both the chicken and the instant rice go into the casserole dish raw. They will cook thoroughly and become tender as the casserole bakes in the oven, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the creamy sauce.
- Enhancing Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the finished casserole just before serving. These fresh herbs add a vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
- Vegetable Variations: While broccoli is traditional, feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Cooked cauliflower florets or sautéed mushrooms would make wonderful additions, either alongside or in place of the broccoli. Ensure any harder vegetables are par-cooked before adding them to the casserole.
- Cheese Choices: Don’t limit yourself to just sharp cheddar! A blend of cheddar and Gruyere or even a touch of Parmesan cheese can add an exciting new dimension to your Chicken Divan.
Explore More Favorite Chicken Recipes
If you’re a fan of versatile and delicious chicken dishes, you’ll love exploring these other family-friendly recipes from our collection:
- Chicken a la King: A classic creamy chicken and vegetable dish, perfect over toast or rice.
- Butter Chicken: An aromatic and flavorful Indian curry, a true crowd-pleaser.
- Chicken Pot Pie: The ultimate savory pie with a flaky crust and hearty filling.
- Poppy Seed Chicken: A unique and delicious casserole with a buttery cracker topping.
- Chicken Tamale Casserole: A flavorful Mexican-inspired dish, easy to make in a single pan.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Paprikash: Tender chicken in a rich, paprika-spiced sauce, cooked to perfection.
- Chicken Chimichanga Recipe: Crispy, fried burritos filled with savory chicken and cheese.
- Skillet Chicken with Garlic and Herbs: A simple yet elegant one-pan chicken dish bursting with aromatic flavors.
LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family-friendly recipes delivered right to your inbox each week! Find me sharing more culinary inspiration and family-friendly ideas on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Chicken Divan
Pin
Chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese combine for this comforting classic – this Chicken Divan recipe is a dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cups instant rice
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen broccoli, thawed and chopped
- 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 36 Ritz crackers, crushed to coarse crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450ºF (230ºC). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the chicken pieces into the bottom of the prepared pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cream, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard in a large saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until boiling (about 8 minutes). Alternatively, heat in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave.
- Add the instant rice to the boiling mixture, then pour over the chicken in the baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
- Pat the broccoli dry, then add it and the shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture in the baking dish, stirring to combine everything carefully. Sprinkle the Ritz cracker crumbs over the top. Return the pan to the oven and continue to bake until the edges are bubbling and the crumbs are browned, about 5-10 minutes.
Recipe Notes:
Source: America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook
Substitutions: You can use milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. If using regular long-grain rice, you’ll need to increase the liquid slightly. Fresh broccoli can replace frozen; chop it small or par-boil it first if pieces are larger. Panko breadcrumbs are a great alternative to Ritz crackers for the topping.
Freezing: This recipe yields a generous amount, so feel free to freeze leftovers or prepare a second casserole for later. When freezing an unbaked casserole, add the cracker crumbs just before baking.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger dish in the oven (covered with foil).
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1/8 of recipe, Calories: 707kcal (35%), Carbohydrates: 42g (14%), Protein: 36g (72%), Fat: 45g (69%), Saturated Fat: 23g (144%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 164mg (55%), Sodium: 995mg (43%), Fiber: 24g (100%), Sugar: 4g (4%)