There are some casseroles that never go out of style, and chicken divan is surely one of them. This oven baked 3-ingredient version keeps all the old-fashioned comfort of the classic dish but trims the work down to almost nothing, which is exactly why busy home cooks have loved it for generations. Around here, a bubbling casserole dish set on the table still feels like hospitality in its purest form, and this creamy chicken and broccoli supper has that same church-basement, bridge-club, Sunday-company kind of charm.
Serve this casserole with buttered egg noodles, fluffy white rice, or a scoop of mashed potatoes to catch every bit of the creamy sauce. A simple fruit salad, sliced tomatoes, or a crisp green salad on the side helps balance the richness nicely, and warm rolls are always welcome if you are feeding a hungry table.
Servings: 6
4 cups cooked broccoli florets
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an oval or 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the cooked broccoli evenly in the bottom of the dish, then layer the chopped or shredded chicken over the top.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken, covering the casserole from edge to edge.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Add a creamy shortcut: If you want a more traditional chicken divan texture, stir in a can of condensed cream of chicken soup or cream of broccoli soup before topping with cheese. It stretches the dish a bit and gives you that old supper-club casserole feel.
Use rotisserie chicken: This is one of the best ways to make supper in a hurry. Leftover roast chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken both work beautifully and give the casserole plenty of flavor without extra fuss.
Try a different cheese: Sharp cheddar brings the most flavor, but Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar-Swiss blend will all melt nicely and give the casserole a slightly different old-fashioned character.
Do not overcook the broccoli: If your broccoli is already very soft before it goes into the oven, it can turn mushy by serving time. Steam it just until crisp-tender so it keeps a little body in the finished dish.
Make it a full meal: For a heartier casserole, serve it over rice or noodles, or add a buttery breadcrumb topping for a little crunch. That contrast between creamy filling and crisp top is mighty hard to beat.
