Creamy chicken and broccoli bake with a cheesy curry sauce
Classic Chicken Divan
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6
1 casserole dish
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
Tender chicken and broccoli blanketed in a creamy, mildly curried cheese sauce and baked until golden. A retro casserole classic that deserves a comeback.
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $
Quick Summary
45 min total time|6 servings|Easy difficulty
Tender chicken and broccoli blanketed in a creamy, mildly curried cheese sauce and baked until golden. A retro casserole classic that deserves a comeback.
American
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Chicken Divan is a vintage recipe with a subtle twist—a touch of curry powder in the cream sauce that makes it uniquely delicious. It's elegant enough for company, easy enough for Tuesday.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp curry powder
Instructions
- 1
Arrange steamed broccoli in a single layer in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with chicken.
- 2
Mix soup, mayo, curry powder, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken and broccoli.
- 3
Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- 4
Top with breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter for extra crunch.
- 5
Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve over rice.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Cream of chicken soupCream of mushroom soup
Either provides the creamy base
Curry powderSmoked paprika
Different flavor profile but equally delicious
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Don't skip the curry powder—it's the signature flavor that makes Chicken Divan unique.
A squeeze of lemon juice in the sauce brightens all the rich flavors.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (80mg) · 6 servings
Calories380
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates24g
Fat12g
Fiber720mg
Sugar3g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Divan mean?
- It was named after the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City where it was created in the 1950s.
- Can I make it from scratch?
- Replace the canned soup with a homemade cream sauce—roux plus broth and cream.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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