Chicken Divan, Lightened Up (2024)

This lightened up Chicken Divan made from scratch with no canned soups. Just layers of tender chicken breast and broccoli in a flavorful creamy, cheese sauce topped with golden breadcrumbs.

Chicken Divan

If you’re looking for a healthier version of this classic casserole dish, look no further! This lighter Chicken Divan is lower in fat and calories, but still full of flavor. Made from scratch with no canned soups. Prep it ahead then pop it in the oven until hot and bubbly at dinner time, your family will thank you for this!! Casseroles are highly requested makeovers, so I try to publish a few new ones each year. Some favorites are Manicotti, Broccoli Mac and Cheese, Shepherd’s Pie, just to name a few. Put in your requests here if you have a favorite.

This healthy version of Chicken Divan is loaded with protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli! It’s a popular and comforting American dish perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners.

What is Chicken Divan?

Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole that typically features chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce. It is believed to have originated in the 1930s at the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City. The dish is named after the restaurant and the word “divan,” which means a long, low sofa without a back.

The classic recipe for Chicken Divan typically includes cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, a rich and creamy sauce made with lots of mayonnaise, sour cream, or cream of mushroom soup, and a topping of cheese and breadcrumbs. The casserole is typically baked until golden brown and bubbly.

A Healthier Chicken Divan

Today, there are many variations of Chicken Divan. My version uses lighter ingredients, which also has a gluten-free option. To make a vegetarian version, you can use tofu or other chicken substitute.

While most recipes call for canned soup, and a lot more fat, this recipe has been significantly lightened up to maintain it’s flavor without all the added fat.

How To Freeze

1. First, make sure that the casserole has cooled completely before freezing. You can either freeze the entire casserole, or portion it into individual servings for easier reheating.
2. Next, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents so you can easily identify it later.
3. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake it in the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until it is heated through and bubbly.
4. Note that while freezing can help to extend the shelf life of the dish, it may also cause the texture of the broccoli to become a bit softer and the sauce to separate slightly. However, these changes should not affect the overall flavor of the dish.

You can freeze Chicken Divan for up to 2-3 months or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

What to serve with Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is a hearty casserole that can be served on its own as a main dish, or paired with some complementary sides to make a more complete meal. Here are some side dish options:

• Rice: Chicken Divan pairs well with rice, which can help to soak up the creamy sauce and add some carbs to the dish. Serve it over white or brown rice, or even a wild rice mix or quinoa.
• Starchy Vegetables: Some starchy vegetables make a great side dish for this chicken casserole. You can serve with baked sweet potatoes, baked potato, herb roasted carrots or air fryer butternut squash.
• Salad: A light and refreshing salad is also a great side. You can try serving a simple side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, or get more creative with a kale salad, shredded brussels sprout salad, or make salad with a Caesar salad dressing.

Variations:

• You can make this quicker by using leftover rotisserie chicken breasts, or precooked chicken breasts.
• Can you use frozen broccoli? Yes, of course you can, but nothing beats the flavor of fresh broccoli in my opinion.

More Chicken Recipes

• Ratatouille Baked Chicken
• French Onion Chicken
• Chicken Thighs with Brussels and Sweet Potatoes
• Marry Me Chicken
• Baked Chicken Milanese with Arugula and Tomatoes