Classic Chicken Divan Recipe
A nostalgic mid-century comfort food favorite featuring tender chicken and broccoli in a velvety cheesy sauce, topped with a signature smoky, buttery cracker crunch.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Medium mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli
- 2 cooked boneless chicken breast halves, chopped
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1.5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
Prep the oven and build the base
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and let it fully preheat so the casserole starts bubbling on schedule.
- Thaw the broccoli, then drain it thoroughly until it feels dry, not slick, and spread it evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Scatter the chopped cooked chicken over the broccoli in an even layer so every scoop gets both.
Whisk the sauce until silky
- In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until the mixture looks glossy and thick.
Assemble the layers
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, then nudge it into the corners so no dry pockets hide underneath.
- Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese across the top, aiming for an even blanket that will melt into creamy little lakes.
- For the crunchy finish, toss crushed Ritz crackers with smoked paprika and melted butter, then shower it over the cheese so the top is fully speckled.
Bake until bubbling and lightly browned
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, and watch for the sauce to bubble at the edges and the topping to turn golden with a toasty, buttery aroma.
- Let it sit a few minutes before serving so the sauce settles and slices cleaner.
Notes
Moisture Control: Ensure the thawed broccoli is patted completely dry with paper towels. Excess water is the main cause of watery casseroles.
Make-Ahead Instructions: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, but add the Ritz cracker topping just before baking to keep it crisp.
Reheating Tip: To keep the chicken tender, reheat at 350°F covered with foil. If the sauce seems dry, add a small splash of milk or water before heating.
Safety Tip: Always reheat leftovers until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.
Nutrition
Calories: 412kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 24gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 1.8mg
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