Ultimate Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

Name: Ultimate Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded or cubed chicken meat; 1 pound fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended); 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon high-quality yellow curry powder; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese

BY Emily Parker December 13, 2025

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The Broccoli Chicken Divan casserole is a foundational pillar of American comfort cooking, a dish that effortlessly marries creamy richness with the gentle bite of fresh vegetables. Originating in the kitchens of the glamorous Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City during the early twentieth century, it was initially a sophisticated culinary creation before evolving into the beloved, pantry-friendly recipe we know today. This casserole’s enduring appeal lies in its straightforward assembly, yet its flavor potential is often overlooked in modern interpretations. This recipe captures the satisfying simplicity of the classic, while integrating expert culinary techniques to ensure the final result is anything but bland—a truly satisfying, velvety bake perfect for sharing on a chilly evening.

Table of Contents

The Essential Components

A great casserole starts with thoughtful ingredient selection. This version updates the classic, sometimes heavy, sauce base with key additions that brighten the overall flavor profile and deliver a luxurious mouthfeel.

The Pantry Checklist (for the Sauce)

One (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
One-half cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended for texture)
One-quarter cup whole milk
One teaspoon high-quality yellow curry powder
One tablespoon fresh lemon juice
One teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The Fresh Elements (Chicken and Broccoli)

Two cups cooked, shredded or cubed chicken meat (leftover rotisserie chicken is ideal)
One pound fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
One-half cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

The Finishing Flourish (The Topping)

One-half cup Panko breadcrumbs
Two tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
One tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Quick-Start Guide to Assembly

This blueprint provides a rapid overview of the process. For detailed sensory cues and technique mastery, refer to the in-depth section following this guide.

Prepare the broccoli florets by blanching them until they are bright green and barely tender; drain immediately.
Combine the cooked chicken and prepared broccoli, then spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of a nine-by-thirteen inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, mayonnaise, milk, curry powder, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is completely smooth. Season this sauce generously with salt and pepper.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli layer, ensuring all the contents of the dish are coated.
Sprinkle the half-cup of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese over the sauce layer.
Prepare the topping by combining the Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese, then scatter the mixture over the Cheddar.
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at three hundred seventy-five Fahrenheit for approximately thirty to thirty-five minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Allow the casserole to rest for ten minutes before serving to ensure the sauce sets up properly.

Achieving Casserole Perfection: A Deep Dive into Technique

The simplest recipes often benefit the most from precise technique. Transforming simple canned and cooked ingredients into a cohesive, flavorful dish requires attention to detail at every step, from preparing the vegetables to checking the final doneness.

Preparing the Star Ingredients

The quality of your base components dictates the final texture of the Divan. For the chicken, avoid dry breast meat if possible. Leftover rotisserie chicken is the gold standard for casseroles; its high moisture and fat content ensure the meat remains succulent during the second bake. Shred or cube the meat into uniform, medium-sized pieces to ensure even distribution.

The broccoli is the vegetable element, and its preparation is critical to avoiding a soggy casserole. Never add raw broccoli to the dish, as it releases too much water during baking. The goal is to blanch it: submerge the florets in boiling, salted water for two to three minutes—no longer. The florets should turn a vibrant, almost shocking green and still feel firm when pierced with a fork (the culinary term is al dente). Immediately drain the broccoli and plunge it into an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This step locks in color and limits moisture release in the oven. When finished, pat the broccoli dry with a paper towel before layering it.

Crafting the Cream Sauce Base

While the convenience of condensed soup is a hallmark of this dish, it often lacks depth. The secret to a truly great Divan is a carefully enhanced sauce.

The simple addition of full-fat mayonnaise provides stability and a luxurious, mouth-coating texture that milk alone cannot achieve. It also prevents the sauce from breaking down or separating during the bake. The milk is merely a thinning agent, used only to bring the sauce to a pourable consistency.

The flavor enhancers—curry powder, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard—are non-negotiable for an expert result. Curry powder, especially mild yellow curry, introduces an unexpected warmth and earthiness that cuts through the richness of the cream base without dominating the flavor profile. It is the key ingredient that many home cooks instinctively feel is missing from the original formulation. The lemon juice and Dijon mustard provide the necessary acidity to balance the entire dish, ensuring the sauce is bright and savory, rather than merely heavy. Whisk these components together thoroughly until the sauce base takes on a uniform, creamy color and texture.

Layering and Texture

The construction of the casserole is more of an art than a science, focusing on textural contrast. The goal is to keep the crunchy topping separate from the soft, creamy interior.

The base layer should consist of the chicken and broccoli. Distribute the ingredients evenly; you want a consistent ratio of chicken to vegetable in every spoonful. Pour the finished sauce mixture over the base, using a spatula to ensure the sauce permeates every nook and cranny. Gently spread the sauce, but avoid stirring, which can lead to the ingredients clumping together.

The cheese layer is next, and its function is twofold: flavor and providing a moisture barrier. Sprinkling the Cheddar directly over the sauce ensures a layer of protection for the topping.

Finally, the breadcrumb mixture must be adequately moistened. Panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended over standard dried crumbs due to their superior size and jagged edges, which crisp up beautifully. Tossing them thoroughly with melted butter and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, textural crust that remains separate from the bubbling sauce below. This deliberate separation of crunchy topping and soft filling is crucial to the sensory experience of an excellent Divan.

The Baking Environment

Proper baking temperature is essential. Many quick casserole recipes call for a high temperature, but this often leads to a burnt top before the center is sufficiently heated through. A moderate oven set to three hundred seventy-five Fahrenheit is the sweet spot. Since all the components are already cooked, the goal of baking is to heat the casserole through completely, allow the cheese to melt and combine with the sauce, and achieve a deep golden-brown crust.

Monitor the casserole after twenty-five minutes. You are looking for vigorous bubbling around the edges, indicating the sauce is hot and combined. The topping should be uniformly toasted. If the topping browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the final ten minutes of baking.

Crucially, you must allow the casserole to rest for ten minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time allows the starches in the sauce to gel and the casserole to firm up, resulting in clean scoops and a sauce that clings elegantly to the chicken and broccoli, rather than a loose, runny mess.

Elevating the Classic Divan

Mastering a classic often means knowing when and how to deviate slightly from the original script. These specific, advanced tips focus on maximizing the flavor and streamlining the preparation.

Roast the Broccoli Instead of Blanching: For truly intensified flavor, toss the blanched broccoli with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast it in a separate pan at four hundred Fahrenheit for about ten minutes before assembling the casserole. This imparts a slight smokiness and sweetness that blanching cannot.
Infuse the Chicken: If using unseasoned, boiled chicken, simmer the meat in high-quality chicken broth fortified with bay leaves, a half onion, and a few peppercorns. This simple step, done while preparing the rest of the meal, gives the meat a significant flavor foundation.
Introduce Shallots: Before assembling, thinly mince one large shallot and sauté it gently in butter until translucent. Fold this savory base directly into the cream sauce mixture. The aromatic depth of the shallot is a more refined addition than using dried onion powder.
Try Nutmeg: A small, barely perceptible grating of fresh nutmeg added to the sauce enhances the creamy, dairy-based flavors, a technique borrowed from classic French béchamel. Use it sparingly—a pinch is enough—to avoid a medicinal taste.
Use Day-Old Bread: Instead of relying on store-bought breadcrumbs, cube and dry out slices of day-old white bread or sourdough in a low oven. Blitz them in a food processor, then proceed with the butter and Parmesan. These fresh crumbs offer a vastly superior crunch and richer, buttery taste.

Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Adaptations

Part of the longevity of a good casserole is its flexibility. Here are some realistic modifications to suit different preferences or dietary needs.

Alternative Proteins

While chicken is traditional, this dish works exceptionally well with other cooked proteins. Cubed turkey is a fantastic swap, especially after a holiday. For a seafood variation, consider precooked shrimp or canned tuna, drained well. If using fish, you may want to omit the curry powder and increase the lemon zest for a brighter, coastal profile.

Gluten-Free Crumb Topping

To accommodate gluten sensitivities, replace Panko breadcrumbs with a crushed, buttery gluten-free cracker (such as a rice or potato-based variety) or a half-cup of almond flour mixed with the melted butter. Alternatively, omit the topping entirely and use an extra half-cup of sharp cheese (like Gruyère) to create a crisped cheese crust instead.

Dairy Swaps for the Sauce

For those avoiding milk or seeking a slightly lighter profile, evaporated milk can replace the whole milk. If you prefer to avoid canned condensed soup, you can create a simple Broccoli Chicken Divan scratch sauce: melt three tablespoons of butter, whisk in three tablespoons of flour, cook for one minute, then gradually whisk in one and one-half cups of warm chicken broth and one-half cup of heavy cream. Season with salt, white pepper, and the recommended curry powder and lemon juice.

What to Serve Alongside

The inherent richness of this casserole means that the ideal accompaniments should offer contrast, cutting through the creamy sauce with acidity or lightness.

Bright Green Salad: The simplest and best pairing is a crisp, lightly dressed salad. Use tender greens like butter lettuce or arugula, and dress them with a sharp vinaigrette based on red wine vinegar or white balsamic. This freshness provides a necessary palate cleanser.
Simple Grains: White rice, particularly a mild long-grain variety like Jasmine, acts as a wonderful neutral sponge for the creamy sauce. Prepare it plainly without butter or heavy seasoning, allowing the casserole to remain the star.
Roasted Root Vegetables: For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted carrots or parsnips. Roasting these vegetables brings out their natural sugars, providing a sweetness that complements the savory profile of the casserole. A quick glaze of honey and thyme elevates this side dish.

Common Questions About Casserole Cookery

These frequent inquiries address preparation logistics and common concerns when handling this classic baked dish.

Can I prepare the Divan ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is excellent for make-ahead preparation. Assemble the entire dish, including the sauce and layering, but do not add the breadcrumb topping. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to twenty-four hours. Add the topping just before baking, as moisture from the fridge will cause the crumbs to soften prematurely.

What is the best way to handle leftovers?

Leftovers store beautifully. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat, the oven is best; use a low temperature, around three hundred twenty-five Fahrenheit, covered with foil, until heated through. Microwave reheating is possible but will soften the crust substantially.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Frozen broccoli is acceptable, provided you manage its excess moisture. Place the frozen florets in a colander and pour hot water over them until thawed. Crucially, press or squeeze the broccoli with the back of a spoon to remove as much residual water as possible before adding it to the casserole.

How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

Wateriness is almost always caused by improperly prepared broccoli or chicken that was stored in too much liquid. Ensure the broccoli is blanched and dried, and use pre-cooked chicken that is dry, not suspended in broth. The addition of mayonnaise in this specific recipe also helps to emulsify the sauce and prevent separation.

Nutritional Breakdown

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbs	20 g
Fat	21 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	650 mg

Disclaimer

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on preparation and ingredients used.

Ultimate Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe