Name: Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and chopped chicken breast; 4 cups lightly steamed broccoli florets; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 82 reviews

This Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe is a comforting, creamy casserole that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious cheese sauce baked until perfectly golden. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, effortlessly combining rich flavors with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for satisfying, home-cooked goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with fresh green broccoli florets sits in the top left, next to a white bowl holding a creamy, pale yellow sauce in the top right. Below, a small white bowl contains golden breadcrumbs on the left side, beside a black bowl filled with smooth, white sour cream. A block of pale yellow butter leans beside a brown bowl full of fine grated Parmesan cheese. At the bottom left, a white speckled plate holds two pieces of raw, light pink chicken, and on the bottom right, a brown bowl is filled with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese. All items are placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe are straightforward but make a big impact on taste and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken adding protein to the broccoli providing a fresh pop of color and the trio of cheeses delivering that irresistible creamy richness.

Chicken Breast, 3 cups cooked and chopped: The hearty base that brings savory flavor and protein to the dish.
Broccoli Florets, 4 cups lightly steamed: Adds vibrant green color and a tender-crisp texture.
Butter, 4 tablespoons: Creates a rich, velvety foundation for the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour, 1/4 cup: Essential for thickening the creamy sauce just right.
Milk, 2 cups: Provides smoothness and creaminess to the base sauce.
Chicken Broth, 1 cup: Adds depth and savory notes without overwhelming the dish.
Cheddar Cheese, 2 cups shredded: Melts beautifully, delivering that signature cheesy comfort.
Parmesan Cheese, 1/4 cup grated: Contributes a sharp, nutty touch to the topping.
Dijon Mustard, 1 teaspoon: Imparts a subtle tang that brightens up the rich flavors.
Garlic Powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances the savory profile with a gentle kick.
Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances and elevates every ingredient’s natural taste.
Black Pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds just the right little hint of warmth.
Breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup: Gives a delightful golden crust with a satisfying crunch.

How to Make Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish so your casserole doesn’t stick and has a lovely surface to brown on top. This small prep step sets the stage for a golden, bubbling result.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling gently. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a smooth roux—this is your sauce thickener. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly, ensuring there are no lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens into a creamy, velvety sauce that will coat the chicken and broccoli beautifully.

Step 3: Layer the Broccoli and Chicken

Spread the lightly steamed broccoli florets evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, layer the cooked and chopped chicken breast right on top. These layers provide a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors that come together once baked.

Step 4: Season and Combine the Sauce

Stir Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into your thickened sauce. These small seasonings add subtle complexity to every bite. Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and silky smooth. Pour this luscious sauce over the chicken and broccoli layers, making sure everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, and breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes—the cheese should bubble and the topping will turn a gorgeous golden brown, promising that perfect crispy finish.

Step 6: Let it Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let your Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe rest for about 5 minutes. This final pause lets the sauce thicken up and all the flavors settle, so when you dive in, every spoonful is creamy and beautifully cohesive.

How to Serve Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

A white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is creamy white sauce mixed with small pieces of white chicken; the middle layer has bright green broccoli florets scattered around; the top layer is golden brown crispy breadcrumbs with some melted light yellow cheese and sprinkled small green herbs all over. The edges of the bowl show some creamy sauce oozing out lightly. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a light dusting of paprika can be sprinkled on top before serving to add a burst of color and an extra pop of freshness. These simple garnishes elevate the dish’s presentation and enhance its welcoming aroma.

Side Dishes

This Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe works wonderfully alongside lightly buttered rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad. The mild sides balance the richness of the casserole, creating a perfectly rounded meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes. This lets guests enjoy personalized portions with their own beautifully browned tops. You can also layer it over cooked pasta or quinoa for a different texture and an extra heartiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Broccoli Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbling. Microwaving is quicker but can make the topping less crisp. Reheating slowly in the oven helps preserve that delicious golden crust and creamy interior.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli—just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Cheddar and Parmesan work best for that classic Divan flavor, but you can experiment with mozzarella or Gruyère for a milder or nuttier flavor profile.

What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, a small amount of yellow mustard or a teaspoon of lemon juice can provide a similar tang without overpowering the dish.

How do I prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy?

Lightly steaming the broccoli so it remains firm before baking is key. Avoid overcooking it in the initial steam or it will become soggy after baking.

Final Thoughts

You simply cannot go wrong with this Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe. It’s a timeless, cozy casserole that combines classic flavors with ease and comfort, perfect for bringing people together around the dinner table. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved staple—rich, cheesy, and wholesome with every bite. Give it a go and enjoy all the warmth it brings to your family meals!