chicken broccoli divan recipe
The Best chicken broccoli divan recipe
I’ve been making chicken broccoli divan for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. It’s a classic American dish that originated in the 1950s and 60s, and it’s made its way into many home cooks’ repertoires. The combination of tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a creamy sauce is a winning combination that’s hard to resist. I love how easy it is to make this dish, too – just sauté some onions and garlic, add in the chicken and broccoli, and then stir in a mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese.
It’s a key home cooking technique that makes the dish feel rich and indulgent without being too heavy or overwhelming. My kids love helping me make this recipe, too – they get to chop up the broccoli and mix together the sauce, which makes them feel like they’re contributing to the meal. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good casserole? It’s just so easy to serve up a big ol’ plate of chicken broccoli divan on a weeknight or at a family gathering.
Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies into your diet without feeling like you’re eating ‘healthy food’. I’ve served this at potlucks and dinner parties alike, and it’s always a hit. My husband even requests it sometimes when he’s coming home from work late – it’s just that comforting and satisfying. I’ve tried making this with different types of cheese, but I always come back to good old cheddar.
It adds such a rich flavor to the dish without being too overpowering. And let me tell you – my kids can’t get enough of that cheesy sauce! They ask for seconds (and thirds!) every time we make it.
The best part? This recipe is so versatile – you can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, depending on your needs. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even add in some cooked rice or pasta to make it feel more substantial. But honestly?
It’s perfect just on its own with some crusty bread on the side.

Chicken Broccoli Divan
A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner and is easy to prepare.
🥘Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broccoli
For the Sauce
For the Topping
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Chicken Broccoli Divan Works
I always have leftovers from this recipe because my family loves it so much – but that’s not a bad thing! We enjoy reheating individual portions for lunch or dinner when we need something quick and easy.
To store leftovers safely, make sure they’re cooled down within two hours of cooking, then refrigerate them within four hours or freeze them within six hours. When reheating leftovers, use shallow containers so everything stays moist and hot throughout – nothing worse than lukewarm leftovers!
For serving ideas beyond our usual plates and bowls, consider using ramekins for individual portions or muffin tins for fun presentation options.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Broccoli Divan
Q: What is the origin of chicken broccoli divan?
Chicken broccoli divan is an American dish that originated in the mid-20th century. It’s believed to have been created by food companies looking for ways to promote their products.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Sure! Frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh in this recipe. Just thaw it out first by leaving it in room temperature for a few hours or by microwaving it according to package instructions.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
The key is to use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of regular sour cream. You can also add in some cornstarch or flour to help thicken the sauce if you find it too runny.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time, but don’t assemble the casserole until about 30 minutes before baking.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe uses no gluten-containing ingredients like wheat flour or bread crumbs.
