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Paula Deen Chicken Divan Recipe

Paula Deen Chicken Divan Recipe

Emily Carter
If you love cozy Southern meals, this Paula Deen Chicken Divan Recipe is for you. It is a warm, creamy casserole that makes everyone feel at home.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 packages 10 oz each of frozen broccoli spears, thawed and drained
  • 4 cups of cooked chicken shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cans 10.75 oz each of condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup of mayonnaise real mayo works best for flavor
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon of curry powder adjust to your preference
  • 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers
  • 2 tablespoons of melted butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat Your Oven

  • First, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it get nice and hot. Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking to the bottom later.

Prepare the Broccoli

  • Steam your broccoli spears until they are just tender. Do not overcook them because they will bake more. Drain all the water very well. Place the broccoli in a single layer in the baking dish.

Add the Chicken

  • Place your cooked, shredded chicken on top of the broccoli. Spread it out evenly so every bite has some. I like using rotisserie chicken because it is very fast and juicy. Sprinkle a little pepper.

Mix the Creamy Sauce

  • In a large bowl, whisk the soup and mayonnaise together. Add the lemon juice and the curry powder. Stir until the mixture is very smooth. This sauce is what makes the whole dish taste so rich.

Pour the Sauce

  • Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken and broccoli. Use a spoon to spread it to the edges. Make sure the chicken is completely covered. This keeps the meat moist while it is in the oven.

Add the Cheese

  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sauce. Use more cheese if you like it extra gooey. Sharp cheddar gives a great pop of flavor against the creamy mushroom soup.

Prepare the Topping

  • In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. You can also use crushed Ritz crackers for extra saltiness. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer for a beautiful golden crunch.

Bake the Casserole

  • Put the dish in the oven for about 20 to 30 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. The top should look golden brown. Keep an eye on it so the crumbs do not burn.

Let it Rest

  • Take the dish out of the oven carefully. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken up a bit. It makes it much easier to scoop out onto plates neatly.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Broccoli: You can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. Just steam it for a few minutes first.
  • Swap the Soup: If you dislike mushrooms, use cream of chicken soup. It tastes just as good.
  • Add Extra Crunch: Add some sliced almonds on top before baking. It adds a lovely nutty flavor.
  • Rice Version: Stir in two cups of cooked white rice to make it more filling.
  • Low Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and use extra cheese or crushed pork rinds.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for heat.
  • Greek Yogurt: You can replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Keyword Paula Deen Chicken Divan Recipe