This easy Chicken Divan Casserole is loaded with tender chunks of chicken and fresh broccoli smothered and baked in a creamy cheese sauce. It's a healthy dinner the whole family will love.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Chicken Divan Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Chicken Divan Casserole
• 🔪 How to Make Keto Chicken Divan Casserole
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with this Chicken Divan Recipe
• 💡 Tips for Making Easy Chicken Divan
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Why is it Called Chicken Divan?
• Is This Chicken Divan Healthy?
• Can I use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
• Can I Prepare Chicken Divan in Advance?
• How Can I Prevent Lumpy Cheese Sauce?
• 🍽️ More Healthy Chicken Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Chicken Divan Recipe

• Chunks of chicken and fresh broccoli
• Creamy cheese sauce
• Baked with shredded cheddar on top
• Easy Keto-friendly dinner that takes minimal effort to prep
• Great make ahead weeknight dinner

This recipe for chicken divan is a comforting classic that combines tender and juicy rotisserie chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and velvety cheese sauce. It’s topped with even more melted cheese and cooked to golden brown, gooey perfection.  

Not only is this chicken casserole hearty, comforting, and downright delicious, but it's ready in just 35 minutes, a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It's the ultimate solution for those evenings when you need something quick, easy, and healthy to feed the family.

If you love this one-dish chicken dish and are looking for other delicious low-carb casseroles, checkout this Keto Chicken Florentine and this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole.

🛒 Ingredients for Chicken Divan Casserole

• Chicken
• Broccoli
• Cheddar cheese
• Heavy cream
• Mascarpone cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Olive oil
• Chicken boullion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Microwave safe bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• 9 x 13 casserole baking dish

🔪 How to Make Keto Chicken Divan Casserole

Add the broccoli florets to a microwave safe bowl, place a plate over the top and microwave for 4 minutes or until the broccoli is just fork tender, but not completely cooked through.

Place the broccoli in a 9 x 13 casserole baking dish that’s been sprayed with olive oil.

Add the chopped chicken into the same casserole, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Heat a saucepan to medium, add in the olive oil and garlic. Sauté it for about 15 seconds or until fragrant, but do not brown it, or it will become bitter. 

Add the salt, ground black pepper, chicken bouillon, mascarpone cheese, and heavy cream, then whisk until melted and well combined.

Simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly, then add half the shredded cheddar cheese.

Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli and spread it out evenly.

Top it with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of when it was frozen. The chicken divan can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

🍴 What to Serve with this Chicken Divan Recipe

This casserole is a complete meal, but if you want to make it stretch, you can spoon the creamy casserole over a serving of cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative to regular rice. Here are some other great side dish options:

• Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Zucchini
• Cheesy Roasted Asparagus
• Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
• Oven Roasted Vegetables

💡 Tips for Making Easy Chicken Divan

• This recipe calls for rotisserie chicken, which is a huge time saver. For another quick tip, buy your broccoli already cut into florets.

• Thickening the sauce: If the cheese sauce is not thick enough for how you like it, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes. This will reduce some of the liquid and thicken it further. You can add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum to the sauce and simmer until it reaches the consistency you're looking for.

• Let it rest: Always allow your casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This helps to set the cheese sauce and allows the flavors to meld together.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Chicken: Instead of rotisserie chicken, you can use leftover roasted or poached chicken breasts, cut into small cubes.

• Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon over the top of the casserole or mix it in with the chicken before baking for some added smoky flavor.

• Spices: Add a pinch of your favorite spices or herbs to the cheese sauce for extra flavor. Paprika, thyme, or Italian seasoning are great options.

• Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce or as toppings. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella cheese are delicious alternatives.

• Vegetables: Mix in other vegetables such as cauliflower florets, sauteed bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and variety.  

• Other proteins: Substitute the chicken with leftover turkey breast or ham. You can also mix in cooked shrimp or diced sausage for a different spin.

• Crunchy topping: Sprinkle crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole before baking for a crispy and keto-friendly topping.

Why is it Called Chicken Divan?

Chicken Divan gets its name as a nod to the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in the New York Chatham Hotel, where it was first created sometime around the year 1920.

Is This Chicken Divan Healthy?

Some variations include ingredients that are higher in carbs, like breadcrumbs or flour, for thickening the sauce. That's not the case with this recipe. This version of chicken Divan is made with low-carb ingredients, like chicken, broccoli, heavy cream, and cheese. It's perfectly healthy and ideal for keto and low-carb diets.

Can I use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. However, be sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well before using it to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

Can I Prepare Chicken Divan in Advance?

Chicken Divan is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.

How Can I Prevent Lumpy Cheese Sauce?

To avoid lumpy cheese sauce, make sure that the heat is low and that you add the cheese slowly while stirring continuously. This helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce without clumping.

🍽️ More Healthy Chicken Recipes

• Lemon Chicken
• Tuscan Chicken
• Chicken Francese
• Creamy Dijon Chicken
• French Onion Chicken