This cozy Chicken Divan casserole wraps tender chicken, broccoli, and egg noodles in a creamy, tangy sauce, then finishes with a buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s a nostalgic, family-friendly bake that comes together quickly with pantry staples, perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed until crisp-tender
- 1 cup cooked egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed through the sauce.
- Add the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli florets, and cooked egg noodles to the bowl.
- Gently fold everything together until the chicken, broccoli, and noodles are well coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set slightly.
Variation
- Swap the egg noodles for cooked rice or small pasta shapes like rotini or penne for a different texture.
- Use a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack alongside cheddar for a more complex, melty topping.
- Add 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms or peas to the mixture for extra vegetables and flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure the chicken, broccoli, and noodles are already cooked before assembling; this casserole is mainly for heating through and browning the top.
- If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- For a slightly crispier topping, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or mixed steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
- Pair with warm dinner rolls, garlic bread, or crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Offer a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for brightness and color.
Tips
- Shred your own cheddar from a block for the smoothest melting and best flavor.
- To save time, cook the noodles and steam the broccoli while you prep the sauce.
- This casserole can be assembled up to a day ahead and refrigerated; add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time. - Can I freeze this casserole?
You can freeze it unbaked or baked. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating. - What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
Substitute with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, broth, and milk. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish, covered with foil, in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through.
Conclusion
Chicken Divan with noodles is the kind of creamy, comforting casserole that never goes out of style. Tender chicken, broccoli, and pasta are blanketed in a tangy, cheesy sauce and finished with buttery crumbs for irresistible crunch. It’s simple to assemble, family-approved, and perfect for make-ahead dinners or bringing to potlucks.
Print
Chicken Divan
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
This cozy Chicken Divan casserole wraps tender chicken, broccoli, and egg noodles in a creamy, tangy sauce, then finishes with a buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s a nostalgic, family-friendly bake that comes together quickly with pantry staples, perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed until crisp-tender
- 1 cup cooked egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed through the sauce.
- Add the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli florets, and cooked egg noodles to the bowl.
- Gently fold everything together until the chicken, broccoli, and noodles are well coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set slightly.
Notes
- Use just-tender broccoli so it doesn’t overcook in the oven—slightly under-steam it if you like a bit of bite.
- Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time; just remove the skin before shredding.
- If your mixture looks very thick, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of milk to loosen it slightly before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 750 mg (approx.)
- Fat: 22 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 7 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
- Protein: 18 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 70 mg (approx.)
Keywords: chicken divan,creamy chicken divan,casserole with noodles,broccoli chicken bake,comfort food,easy family dinner,make ahead casserole