Broccoli Chicken Divan: 7 Comforting Secrets Unveiled

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: broccoli chicken divan! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, overflowing with creamy and cheesy goodness that just makes you feel right at home. It’s the kind of meal that brings the family together, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering. I love how the tender chicken and vibrant broccoli soak up that rich, creamy sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, which is a total win in my book! Trust me, once you try this broccoli chicken divan, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too. Let’s dive into the details, shall we?

Ingredients List

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups broccoli florets
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup breadcrumbs

How to Prepare Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because we want our broccoli chicken divan to bake evenly and get that lovely golden crust on top!
While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and coated in that luscious creamy goodness.
Now, transfer that delightful mixture into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13-inch dish, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all that cheesy deliciousness!
Next, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top. This will create that irresistible crunchy topping we all love!
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbly and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. Oh, the smell will be incredible!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this comforting broccoli chicken divan! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re serving up. For one cup of this delicious dish, you can expect approximately:

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 25g

This dish is not only hearty and satisfying, but it also packs a good punch of protein thanks to the chicken and cheese! Perfect for fueling your day, right?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
The creamy, cheesy flavor is absolutely irresistible and comforting.
It’s a one-dish wonder, which means less cleanup for you—yay!
Loaded with protein from the chicken and packed with nutrients from the broccoli.
Totally customizable! You can add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
Leftovers taste even better the next day, so it’s great for meal prepping.
It’s a crowd-pleaser; even picky eaters will love it!

Tips for Success

Use Quality Chicken: For the best flavor, I recommend using rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken. It adds a depth of flavor that really elevates the dish!
Seasoning Matters: Don’t skip the garlic and onion powder—they add a subtle but essential flavor. Feel free to experiment with additional spices like paprika or even a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat!
Broccoli Choices: Fresh broccoli is fantastic, but frozen broccoli florets work great too! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water in your dish.
Baking Dish Selection: A glass or ceramic baking dish is perfect for this recipe. It helps the bottom cook evenly and lets you see that gorgeous golden topping as it bakes!
Let It Rest: After pulling it out of the oven, let your broccoli chicken divan rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to scoop out perfect portions.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve this dish with a simple side salad or some fluffy rice to soak up all that creamy goodness. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and flavor!

Variations

One of the best things about my broccoli chicken divan is how versatile it is! You can easily swap in different ingredients to suit your taste or use up what you have in the fridge. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Veggie Power: Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers! Just chop them up and toss them in with the broccoli for extra color and crunch.
Leafy Greens: Spinach or kale can be a great addition for some leafy goodness. Just sauté them lightly before mixing them in to soften them up a bit.
Cheese Lovers: Mix it up with different cheeses! Try Monterey Jack, gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a bold twist. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor!
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or basil can elevate the dish with fresh aromas. Just chop them finely and sprinkle them in for a burst of flavor.
Spice it Up: If you’re in the mood for some heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mix. It’ll give your broccoli chicken divan a nice kick!
Crispy Toppings: Instead of breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers, potato chips, or even panko for a different texture. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor!
Protein Swap: Not a fan of chicken? No problem! Use cooked turkey, or even shredded beef for a different take. You can also go vegetarian by adding more beans or chickpeas!

Mix and match these variations to create your perfect version of broccoli chicken divan! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to explore them!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, so you’ve made this delicious broccoli chicken divan and now you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat it to keep all that creamy, cheesy goodness intact!

To store, let your broccoli chicken divan cool completely after baking. Then, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label it so you know what you’ve got when the craving hits!

Now, when it comes time to reheat, you have a couple of options. For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the broccoli chicken divan in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you want to crisp up the top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating—trust me, that golden crust is worth it!

If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat it in the microwave. Just pop a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a rubbery texture!

And there you have it! Enjoy your leftovers just as much as when you first made them. Happy eating!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this scrumptious broccoli chicken divan, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This dish is so versatile and can easily be paired with a variety of sides to make your meal even more delicious.

Fluffy Rice: A classic choice! Serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that creamy goodness. You can even add some herbs or a squeeze of lemon to the rice for an extra zing!
Pasta: If you’re in the mood for something carb-heavy, try serving your divan over cooked pasta, like penne or rotini. The cheesy sauce will cling beautifully to the pasta, making for a comforting plate!
Fresh Salad: Balance out the richness of the divan with a light, crisp salad. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will do wonders!
Garlic Bread: For a little indulgence, serve some warm garlic bread on the side. The buttery, garlicky flavors will complement your broccoli chicken divan perfectly!
Steamed Veggies: Keep it healthy by adding a side of steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or asparagus. They add a nice crunch and a pop of color to your plate!
Quinoa: If you’re looking for a nutritious option, quinoa is a fantastic choice. It’s packed with protein and has a lovely nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the creamy divan.

Whichever side you choose, I promise your broccoli chicken divan will shine even brighter on the table. So dig in and enjoy this comforting combo—your taste buds will thank you!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli adds a wonderful crunch and flavor to the dish. Just make sure to chop it into bite-sized florets and blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes before mixing it in. This will help it cook evenly in the oven!

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise or want a lighter option, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream. Both will give you that creamy texture while adding a bit of tang. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different!

Is broccoli chicken divan gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free! Just make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Otherwise, all the other ingredients are gluten-free, so you’re good to go!

How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can absolutely assemble your broccoli chicken divan ahead of time! Just prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no need to thaw!

Can I freeze broccoli chicken divan?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.