Name: Chicken Divan Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup half and half; ¼ cup chicken broth; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed; 3 cups cooked, diced chicken breast; 1 cup cooked white rice; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 tablespoon melted butter

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A comforting and creamy classic, this Chicken Divan Casserole layers tender chicken, broccoli, and rice in a rich homemade sauce, finished with a golden, cheesy breadcrumb topping. It’s the kind of cozy dish I love making for weeknights, potlucks, or a satisfying weekend dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with layers of texture. The broccoli adds freshness, the chicken and rice make it filling, and the lemony cream sauce ties everything together. That crispy Parmesan-panko topping is the perfect finishing touch. It’s classic comfort food that never goes out of style.

Chicken Divan Casserole

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup half and half
1/4 cup chicken broth
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed
3 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
1 cup cooked white rice
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat. I stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns golden brown.
I slowly whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and continue stirring until the sauce thickens. I add the half and half, lemon zest, and lemon juice, then remove it from the heat. I season it with salt and pepper.
I spread the broccoli in the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. I layer the rice evenly over the broccoli, then pour half of the sauce on top.
I add the diced chicken as the next layer. I stir the Parmesan cheese into the remaining sauce and pour it evenly over the chicken.
In a small bowl, I toss the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle the mixture over the top of the casserole.
I bake the casserole uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
I serve it hot and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Variations

Sometimes I swap the white rice for brown rice or quinoa for more fiber. I also like adding a pinch of cayenne or Dijon mustard to the sauce for a slight kick. For a more veggie-heavy version, I stir in sautéed mushrooms or chopped spinach.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If the topping softens, I broil it for a couple of minutes to crisp it back up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, I lightly steam or blanch it first to ensure it softens enough during baking.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble everything (except the panko topping), cover, and refrigerate it. Just before baking, I add the breadcrumbs.

What if I don’t have half and half?

I use whole milk or a mix of milk and cream as a substitute.

Can I freeze Chicken Divan Casserole?

Yes, I freeze it before baking, tightly wrapped. When ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

How do I keep the topping crispy?

I add the panko just before baking and avoid covering the casserole to maintain a golden, crunchy top.

Conclusion

Chicken Divan Casserole is a timeless favorite that combines creamy richness, fresh broccoli, and tender chicken in one satisfying dish. It’s easy to prep ahead, feeds a crowd, and always delivers comfort with every bite.