Chicken divan is a classic, comforting casserole of tender chicken and broccoli baked in a creamy, lightly curried sauce and topped with melted cheddar. This classic recipe is the original version of the dish, easy to make ahead, and always a family favorite for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Below you will find what this dish is, exactly what goes into it, how to make it step by step, plus tips, variations, and answers to the most common questions.
Table of Contents
What Is Chicken Divan?
Chicken divan is a baked casserole made with chicken and broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with cheese and a crisp crumb. The classic divan gets its signature flavor from a touch of curry powder stirred into a sauce built on cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise. The dish is named after the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City, where it became a signature entree in the early 1900s. Today it is a beloved potluck and comfort-food bake across America.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and comforting — the ultimate cozy casserole.
- Make-ahead friendly — assemble now, bake later.
- Simple ingredients — mostly pantry and fridge staples.
- A great way to eat broccoli — even picky eaters love it.
- Feeds a crowd — perfect for potlucks and family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here is what goes into this classic casserole. Exact amounts are in the printable recipe card below.
- Cooked chicken — chopped; rotisserie or leftover chicken works great.
- Broccoli — fresh florets, lightly steamed.
- Cream of chicken soup — the creamy base of the sauce.
- Mayonnaise — adds richness and tang.
- Curry powder — the signature warm note of classic divan.
- Lemon juice — brightens the creamy sauce.
- Cheddar cheese — melted on top.
- Buttered breadcrumbs — for a golden, crisp finish.
How to Make Chicken Divan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Steam the broccoli until just tender and arrange it in the dish, then top with the chopped cooked chicken.
- Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder, and lemon juice, and pour it evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with cheddar, then scatter the buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and golden and heated through to 165°F, following safe temperature guidelines. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Chicken Divan
- Do not overcook the broccoli — steam it just until crisp-tender since it bakes more.
- Use rotisserie chicken for the fastest, most flavorful shortcut.
- Drain the broccoli well so the casserole is not watery.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the curry and lemon to your liking.
- Let it rest before serving so it sets up and slices cleanly.
Easy Variations
- With rice: serve it over or stir in cooked rice for a heartier meal.
- No curry: leave out the curry powder for a milder, classic flavor.
- Lighter: use Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayo and light soup.
- Cream of mushroom: swap in cream of mushroom or broccoli soup.
- Extra cheesy: add a layer of cheese in the middle too.
What to Serve With Chicken Divan
The dish is rich and filling, so it pairs well with simple sides:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- A crisp green salad
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven until hot. To freeze, assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight, add the topping, and bake as directed.
Chicken Divan Recipe
Here is the full printable recipe for this classic casserole. Save it for your next cozy family dinner or potluck.
Chicken Divan with Curry
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Steam the broccoli until just tender, then arrange it in the bottom of the dish. Top with the chopped cooked chicken.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder, and lemon juice, then pour it evenly over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top. Toss the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and scatter over the cheese.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and golden, and the dish is heated through to 165 degrees F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
More Recipes You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicken divan made of?
Chicken divan is made of cooked chicken and broccoli baked in a creamy sauce of cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder, and lemon juice, topped with cheddar cheese and buttered breadcrumbs. It is a classic American comfort-food casserole.
Why is it called chicken divan?
The dish is named after the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City, where it became a signature entree in the early 1900s. The word divan referred to a fashionable dining lounge at the time.
Can you make chicken divan ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the whole casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Add the breadcrumb topping just before it goes in the oven, and add a few extra minutes to the bake time since it starts cold.
Can you freeze chicken divan?
Yes. Assemble it without the breadcrumb topping, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed until hot and bubbly.
What do you serve with chicken divan?
It pairs well with rice, buttered egg noodles, a crisp green salad, or warm dinner rolls. Because the casserole is rich, a light side balances the meal nicely.
1 thought on “Chicken Divan with Curry (Classic Recipe)”
Comments are closed.