Chicken Divan is one of those dependable casseroles that earned its place on Midwestern supper tables because it is filling, thrifty, and mighty easy to pull together on a busy day. This oven-baked 3-ingredient version keeps all that old-fashioned comfort, with tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked until hot and bubbling. It is the sort of recipe a grandmother could make from memory, and once you put it on your own table, it is easy to see why families kept coming back to it week after week.
This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but it goes especially well with buttered egg noodles, fluffy white rice, or a slice of warm bread to catch every bit of the sauce. For a Sunday dinner feel, serve it with a simple fruit salad, sliced tomatoes, or a crisp green salad with a tart vinaigrette to balance the creamy filling.
Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Chicken Divan
Servings: 6
Ingredients
4 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
Directions
1. Heat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar oval casserole dish.
2. Spread the steamed broccoli evenly in the bottom of the baking dish, then layer the cooked chicken over the top.
3. Spoon the broccoli cheese soup over the chicken and spread it gently so the top is evenly covered from edge to edge.
4. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges and the top is lightly golden.
5. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can settle a bit, then spoon onto plates and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Add a crunchy topping: If you do not mind stepping beyond the strict three ingredients, a scattering of buttered bread crumbs or crushed buttery crackers over the top before baking gives this casserole a lovely old-fashioned crunch.
Use rotisserie chicken: This is one of the easiest ways to get supper on the table fast. Shred the meat while it is still slightly warm, and you will have a tender filling with almost no extra work.
Do not overcook the broccoli: Steam it just until it turns bright green and begins to soften. If it goes too far before baking, it can lose its color and turn mushy in the casserole.
Make it heartier: For a more filling meal, serve the baked chicken divan over rice, toast points, or noodles. That is how many church supper versions were stretched to feed a crowd.
Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes, then bake until hot all the way through.
