Broccoli Chicken Divan: An easy 30-Minute Family Favorite

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If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting meal that brings smiles to the dinner table and clears out those picky plates (yes, even the broccoli!), Broccoli Chicken Divan is your new go-to casserole.

Let’s be honest—between soccer practice, work emails, and that laundry pile that’s threatening to become a roommate, getting dinner on the table can feel like an Olympic event. That’s exactly why I love this recipe. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and comes together with just a few pantry staples. Plus, it has the magical ability to turn broccoli skeptics into believers. 🙌

So whether you’re a meal-prep queen, a weeknight warrior, or just someone trying to survive the dinner hour—this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Chicken Divan

Let me count the ways:

One dish, endless satisfaction. It’s creamy, cheesy, and crunchy all at once.
Great for leftovers. It tastes even better the next day—if there’s any left!
Kid-approved. I mean, it has cheese and chicken. Enough said.
Flexible. Serve it over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes… or just grab a fork and dig in!

This Broccoli Chicken Divan is comfort food that doesn’t require a culinary degree or a two-hour kitchen marathon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll want to grab before you get started:

Main Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-size pieces — or use 3 cups cooked chicken to make it even faster!
1 Tablespoon olive oil (only if using raw chicken)
1½–2 pounds broccoli, chopped into florets
1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or sub cream of chicken)
⅔ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon each: garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, and pepper
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Crunchy Topping:

3 Tablespoons Panko bread crumbs or buttery crackers (Ritz are a fave)
1 Tablespoon melted butter

How to Make Broccoli Chicken Divan (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Give your 9×13 baking dish (or 3-quart casserole) a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: If you’re using raw chicken, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until fully cooked—about 10 minutes. Set it aside while you move on.

Step 3: Time to tackle the broccoli! Bring a big pot of water to a boil, toss in the florets, and cook for 2–3 minutes—just until they’re tender-crisp. Drain them well and layer them into the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 4: In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup cheddar cheese, the soup, sour cream, milk, and all the seasonings. Fold in the cooked chicken, then spoon the creamy mixture evenly over the broccoli.

Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top—because we never say no to extra cheese.

Step 6: In a small bowl, combine your breadcrumbs (or crushed buttery crackers) with melted butter. Sprinkle this golden mixture over the casserole for that irresistible crunchy finish.

Step 7: Bake for 20–22 minutes, until bubbly and the topping is golden-brown and crisp.

Step 8: Serve over your favorite base—rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes—or just enjoy as is. Comfort doesn’t get much cozier.

Aneta’s Tip Jar 🥄

Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken. It’s a game changer.
Want a veggie boost? Stir in some frozen peas or chopped spinach with the chicken mix.
Feeding a crowd? This recipe easily doubles—and makes you look like a kitchen rockstar.

And hey, if your cheese gets a little over-enthusiastic and bubbles over the edge of the dish? That’s called extra flavor. (But maybe put a baking sheet underneath—learned that one the hard way!)

A Little Backstory…

This dish was my secret weapon during the toddler years. It was the one way I could sneak broccoli into dinner without a dramatic performance at the table. Now that my kids are older, they ask for it by name—and that, my friends, is the ultimate mom win.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Divan casserole baked in a white dish with golden brown topping and tender broccoli florets.

FAQs about Broccoli Chicken Divan

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Just thaw it and pat it dry first to avoid a watery casserole.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a melty twist.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for a quick lunch option.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything (except the breadcrumb topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.

Conclusion

Sometimes, all we need is a little nostalgic comfort and something warm bubbling in the oven. Broccoli Chicken Divan wraps it all up in one delicious dish. Whether it’s a midweek pick-me-up or a Sunday dinner with the fam, this casserole brings smiles and full bellies every time.

So go ahead—grab that baking dish, throw on your favorite kitchen playlist, and let the magic begin. 💛

More Comforting Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re already swooning over this Broccoli Chicken Divan, you’re going to fall head over heels for these equally satisfying, crowd-pleasing favorites. From creamy casseroles to hearty skillet meals, here are a few more ways to bring cozy, family-friendly magic to your dinner table:

Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – If you’re a fan of cheesy, indulgent dinners (who isn’t?), this one will have your whole family scraping the dish clean.
Chicken Hashbrown Casserole – Crispy hashbrowns meet tender chicken in this Southern-style bake that’s as perfect for brunch as it is for a lazy Sunday dinner.
Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – For a lighter take that still hits those comfort-food notes, this recipe brings bold flavor with a fresh twist.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole – Fancy name, fuss-free prep. This elegant, creamy bake is pure gold when you need a dinner that impresses with minimal effort.

These recipes are not only great companions to your Broccoli Chicken Divan night, but they’re also fantastic for meal-prepping, potlucks, or when you need a sure-win for the picky eaters in your life. Happy cooking, and don’t be afraid to get a little cheesy with it! 🧀💛