Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, prepping a meal to take to a friend, or stocking your freezer for busy nights, this Chicken Divan Casserole is one of those old-school classics you’ll make forever.
Chicken Divan Casserole — The Coziest Classic Your Family Will Request Again and Again
Few recipes earn the title family legend, but this Chicken Divan Casserole has absolutely earned its spot. I’ve been enjoying this dish since childhood, and now my own family asks for it on repeat. It’s the definition of everyday comfort food—creamy, cozy, and packed with simple ingredients that taste even better together than they look on the page.
What I love most? If I plan ahead and keep cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and shredded chicken on hand (hello, freezer staples!), this casserole comes together in minutes. And the leftovers? They go straight into my daughter’s lunchbox without complaint. Win-win.
Why This Recipe Works:
1. Simple pantry staples = big comfort
Cream of chicken soup, mayo, lemon, and a hint of curry powder blend into a creamy, tangy sauce that tastes nostalgic and incredibly satisfying.
2. Perfectly balanced textures
Fluffy rice on the bottom, crisp-tender broccoli in the middle, hearty chicken, and melty cheese on top—every bite delivers cozy layers.
3. Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
This is the ideal “cook once, eat twice” meal. Prep two 8×8 casseroles and freeze one for later.
4. Kid-friendly but flavorful
The curry powder is mild (you can always adjust!) and adds warm depth without being spicy.
5. Flexible for busy schedules
Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, frozen broccoli, premade rice—prep time drops dramatically when you keep staples ready.
Substitutions & Variations:
Protein Options
- Rotisserie chicken
- Leftover turkey
- Shredded canned chicken (drained well)
- Use cooked quinoa instead of rice for extra protein
Vegetable Swaps
- Cauliflower florets
- Peas & carrots
- Asparagus pieces
- Spinach (stir into the top layer before adding sauce)
Creamy Sauce Alternatives
- Greek yogurt instead of mayo (½ yogurt + ½ mayo works best)
- Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery
- Add 1/4 cup sour cream for extra richness
Flavor Boosts
- Add 1–2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Swap sharp cheddar with Swiss or Gruyère
- Add ½ tsp smoked paprika to the sauce
More Family Favorite Casserole Dishes:
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Chicken Divan Casserole
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Cook rice according to package directions. Spread into a 9×13 baking dish. (Or divide between two 8×8 pans if freezing one.)
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Steam broccoli until crisp-tender. Layer over the rice and sprinkle lightly with salt.
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Add cubed or shredded chicken evenly over the broccoli.
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In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder.
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Spoon sauce mixture over the chicken and gently spread to cover.
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Top with shredded cheese. Sprinkle with paprika and sliced almonds, if desired.
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Bake for 40 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
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