Chicken Divan is a creamy, cheesy casserole loaded with tender chicken, broccoli, and a golden breadcrumb topping. This nostalgic dish is a family favorite, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a thoughtful meal to share with a friend in need.

A casserole dish with a spoon after serving a portion of chicken divan.
Easy Chicken Divan Casserole with Broccoli

You can make the meal extra special with a sweet dessert or tasty side to round things out—or keep it super simple with a store-bought salad kit, some bakery cookies, and a loaf of bread. Easy is always good too. Lightening someone else’s load doesn’t have to make yours stressful. It’s the act of showing up and offering support that matters most.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

  • Comfort in Every Bite – A creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs make this dish irresistibly cozy.
  • Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters tend to love this classic casserole.
  • Great for Sharing – A perfect dish to drop off for a neighbor, a family in need, or to bring to a gathering.
  • Easy to Make – Simple steps and everyday ingredients make this a stress-free dinner option.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Divan Casserole

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup (or substitute one with cream of mushroom for variety)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

How to Make Chicken Divan

1. Prep the Baking Dish

  1. Prep the Baking Dish
    Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the steamed broccoli in an even layer, followed by the cooked chicken.Steamed brocolli and chicken layered in a baking dish.
  2. Make the Sauce
    In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, lemon juice, and curry powder. Stir until well combined. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli.
  3. Add the Cheese
    Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.Shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  4. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
    In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Evenly scatter the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.Breadcrumb topping prepared in a bowl.
  5. Bake
    Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.Baked Chicken Divan fresh out the oven.

How to Serve

Chicken Divan is delicious on its own, but you can serve it over rice or buttered noodles to stretch the meal. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for a well-rounded dinner.

chicken divan on a plate
Chicken Divan Bake with Bread Crumb Topping

Make It Your Own

  • Swap the Chicken – Use turkey instead for a post-holiday twist.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cream of chicken soup.
  • Add Extra Flavor – Sautéed mushrooms or a small can of mushrooms, drained, can enhance the dish.

Perfect for Meal Trains & Freezing

Chicken Divan is a great make-ahead meal! If you’re preparing it for a friend, assemble it and refrigerate until they’re ready to bake. You can also freeze, thaw then bake for a future easy meal.

Chicken Divan isn’t just a casserole—it’s a little bit of love in every bite. Whether you’re serving it to your family or delivering it to a friend, this comforting dish is sure to bring warmth and joy to any table.

chicken divan on a plate
Classic Chicken Divan with Cream of Chicken Soup

Recipe by Becky Tacca

This is an oldie but a goodie!  This recipe was one of my mother’s favorite recipes to make for family and guests.  She used to make it to give to people or bring to potluck suppers.  We even served it as the main course at my wedding! Becky Tacca ( Mother – Arlene Smith Osmun)

Chicken Divan

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Chicken Divan is nostalgic comfort food, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a thoughtful meal to share with friends. This creamy, cheesy casserole is loaded with tender chicken, and broccoli, and has a golden breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup (or mix with cream of mushroom for variety)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp curry powder
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted

Video

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.

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Did You Make This?

Don’t forget to leave a rating below and let me know what you thought!

Chicken Divan is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with cozy flavor. It’s the perfect recipe to share with a friend who needs a little extra love. If you’re delivering this delicious dish, don’t forget to wrap it up with my free printable meal labels so they’ll know just how to heat and enjoy it. And for that extra thoughtful touch, add one of my sweet “Made with Love” gift tags.

Supporting friends doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes a warm meal and a caring note make all the difference. 💛 Check out these simple meal sharing tips to make comfort-giving even easier.

More Casseroles to Share

If you enjoy rich, creamy, and super cheesy casseroles, don’t miss these reader favorites:

These easy-to-make meals are perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with someone who could use a comforting homemade dish.

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