Chicken Divan Recipe

Name: Chicken Divan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into small cubes); Kosher salt and pepper (to taste); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium sweet onion (finely diced); 2 sticks celery (diced); 1 1/2 cup full fat Greek yogurt (I use creamy 10% fat, at room temp); ½ cup milk (at room temp); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried dill; 1 large head broccoli (cut into florets); 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded); ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers

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This lightened-up Chicken Divan features tender chicken breast chunks layered with broccoli, cheddar, and Ritz cracker crumbs in a creamy, yogurt-based sauce. Baked until bubbling, this simple casserole is on the table in under an hour.

a casserole dish with chicken divan topped with shredded cheese and Ritz crackers.

While many chicken divan recipes rely on a creamy sauce of mayo, canned soup, or bechamel, this version uses Greek yogurt for a rich, light sauce. The crispy topping of Ritz crackers (optional) adds an irresistible, buttery crunch while a layer of melty cheddar brings it all together. It’s perfect for making ahead of time as meal prep for busy evenings.

For more cozy casseroles, try my recipes for Cheeseburger Cowboy Casserole and Spaghetti Casserole.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Intermediate

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

45 mins

Ingredients Needed

Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make this Chicken Divan casserole. The full quantities can be found in the recipe card further down the post.

Chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy prep. Chicken thighs also work for a richer, meatier flavor.
Italian seasoning: A pre-mixed blend of dried herbs that brings an Italian flavor profile with minimal effort. You can also make your own homemade Italian seasoning!
Olive oil: A touch of oil is needed for browning the chicken. Avocado oil also works great.
Sweet onion: Has a mild, sweet flavor that adds savory depth to the casserole. You can swap it out for a yellow onion or a couple of shallots instead.
Celery: Has a fresh flavor that rounds out the creamy sauce.
Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy sauce. Use full-fat (10% fat) yogurt, as it has the best texture; low-fat yogurt tends to curdle when baked.
Milk: Thins out the sauce while keeping things creamy. You can use non-fat, skim, or whole milk here.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, Dried dill, and Kosher salt and pepper
Broccoli: Adds some greens and texture to this casserole. Frozen broccoli also works, but it’s best to thaw it and drain excess water before stirring it in.
Cheddar cheese: Creates a crispy, cheesy crust on the casserole. Use freshly shredded cheese, as it melts better than pre-shredded.
Ritz crackers: For a crunchy, buttery crumb topping on the casserole. You can use chunky breadcrumbs tossed in melted butter or olive oil instead, if preferred.

How to Make Chicken Divan

Before you start: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

process shot to cook the chicken bites and adding veggies.

Step 1: Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken undisturbed for 5 minutes. Stir and add the onion and celery. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

process shot of making the sauce for the chicken divan and adding it over the large chicken and veggies in the dish.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, milk, and seasonings. Taste it and add some salt and pepper.

Step 4: Once the chicken is done cooking, transfer it to a casserole dish. Add the broccoli florets and stir well with the yogurt mixture. Sprinkle with the cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Uncover the dish, sprinkle with the crushed crackers, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

process shot to bake the chicken divan in a dish.

Variations & Tips

Covering the dish for the first part of the baking time helps the casserole stay moist while allowing the cheese to melt.
Make sure that the yogurt and milk are at room temperature before adding to the dish. Adding cold dairy to the hot ingredients can cause the sauce to split.
Cut the broccoli into small, evenly sized florets so they cook evenly.
If you have leftover cooked chicken (or a rotisserie chicken), you can shred it and use it in place of the cubed chicken breast for quicker prep.
Swap the milk for chicken broth to give the sauce a more savory flavor.
Add quartered cremini mushrooms to the skillet as you cook the chicken breast for extra flavor and texture.
Make it gluten-free by swapping the Ritz crackers for crushed gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
Swap out the broccoli for cauliflower or green beans, depending on what you’ve got on hand.

chicken divan with veggies in a casserole dish topped with shredded cheese.

Common Questions

How do I store it?

Allow the baked casserole to cool, then cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do I reheat it?

Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 20-30 minutes until piping hot throughout.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole in the dish, stopping just before you cover it with foil. It’s best to blanch the broccoli before adding it so that it retains a crisp texture after freezing. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, wrap tightly in cling-wrap and freeze for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in the fridge before baking). Bake as usual.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just thaw it first, then drain off any excess liquid and pat it dry before adding it to the casserole.

What goes well with Chicken Divan?

This hearty casserole is delicious served with rice or pasta. For a fresh addition, serve with my Arugula Pear Salad or Caprese Pasta Salad. While steamed veggies are delicious as a side here, I also love making some Garlic Roasted Cauliflower or Maple-Glazed Carrots for extra flavor.

More Casserole Recipes

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