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Craving a warm, satisfying meal that brings the family together? Chicken Divan Casserole is the ultimate Creamy Family Dinner, blending tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce topped with buttery Ritz crackers. This easy weeknight dish looks and tastes like you spent hours, but it’s ready in under an hour, making it my go-to for busy evenings when I want everyone to clean their plates.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Divan Casserole

Chicken Divan Casserole shines as a Creamy Family Dinner:

Veggie Sneak: Creamy sauce and cheese make broccoli irresistible.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples create gourmet flavor.
Leftovers Rock: Tastes even better the next day.
Crowd-Pleaser: Comfort food that kids and adults adore.
I love this Creamy Family Dinner for its ease and universal appeal!

Ingredients for Chicken Divan Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need for Chicken Divan Casserole (serves 6):

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp curry powder
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of broccoli cheese soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup whole milk
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 20 crackers)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Ingredient Tips:

Chicken: Breast for lean protein; thighs add richer flavor.
Broccoli: Fresh for best texture; frozen works if thawed and drained.
Soups: Low-sodium versions for better flavor control.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar for bold taste; freshly shredded melts better.
Crackers: Ritz for buttery crunch; saltines as a substitute.

Directions for Chicken Divan Casserole

Let’s create this comforting Chicken Divan Casserole!

Preheat Oven

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Cook Chicken

I season 1 lb chicken cubes with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp curry powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through, then set aside.

Cook Broccoli

I bring a pot of water to a boil and cook 4 cups broccoli florets for 4–5 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy.
I drain and set aside.

Make Sauce

In a large bowl, I whisk together 1 can cream of broccoli cheese soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup milk, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth.
I fold in the cooked chicken, broccoli, and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.

Assemble and Bake

I spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
I toss 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle over the top, followed by the remaining ½ cup cheese.
I bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and the crackers are golden. I let it rest for 8–10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 30g carbs, 30g protein, 25g fat, 3g fiber

Variations for Chicken Divan Casserole

Try these twists on Chicken Divan Casserole:

Veggie Swap: Use cauliflower or asparagus for a different Creamy Family Dinner.
Mushroom Boost: Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms for umami.
Cheese Twist: Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Swiss in this Creamy Family Dinner.
Crunchy Top: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers.
Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne to the sauce for heat.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Pockets for a savory spread.
Serve over rice or with dinner rolls for a hearty Creamy Family Dinner.
Add a green salad with vinaigrette for freshness.

Storage

I store Chicken Divan Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; it tastes even better as flavors meld. To reheat, I microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through. For freezing, I assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes if needed. I always check leftovers for freshness before serving.

FAQs About Chicken Divan Casserole

Here are some common questions about this recipe:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Use about 3 cups of frozen broccoli florets. Thaw and drain them well, then skip the boiling step since they’re already blanched.

What can I substitute for the cream soups?
You can make a homemade white sauce with 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, and 1 ½ cups chicken broth, or use 4 oz cream cheese mixed with 1 cup broth for richness.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
It should be hot and bubbly around the edges with golden brown crackers on top. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

What sides go well with chicken divan?
Try serving it with rice, dinner rolls, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s also hearty enough to serve on its own.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Divan Casserole has become one of those reliable family recipes that makes dinner feel special without requiring any special skills. The combination of familiar flavors presented in this comforting casserole format creates something that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s proof that sometimes the best family meals are the ones that take simple ingredients and turn them into something that brings everyone together around the dinner table.