Chicken Divan

This Chicken Divan takes tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luxuriously creamy sauce to create a casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

The magic happens when the buttery Ritz cracker topping gets golden and crispy, while underneath, a blanket of melted cheddar cheese hugs every bite of perfectly cooked chicken and bright green broccoli. This isn’t just dinner – it’s a hug in casserole form.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt/pepper to taste
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 stick celery, diced
• 4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb.)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 2½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

For the Topping:

• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 Tablespoons butter, melted

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Position rack in center of oven for even heating.
2. Cut chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Pro tip: Uniform sizes ensure even cooking.
3. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 2 Tablespoons butter. Add chicken, onions, and celery, tossing to coat. Sauté for 3 minutes until chicken is opaque on outside but not fully cooked. Add broccoli and 1 Tablespoon olive oil. The oil prevents the butter from burning.
4. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until chicken is just cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)). Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
5. Stir in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, seasonings, and 1¼ cups cheese until well combined. The mixture should be creamy but not too thick – it will thicken more during baking.
6. Transfer to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese, spreading evenly.
7. Cover with foil (not touching cheese) and bake for 20 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).
8. Mix melted butter with crushed crackers until evenly coated. Sprinkle over casserole and bake uncovered for 8-10 minutes until topping is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving over rice, biscuits, or mashed potatoes. This allows the sauce to set up properly.