This chicken divan casserole is one you'll want to repeat often. It's got everything from flavor to textures and is always a huge hit in my own house.
Save This Recipe to Your Inbox
Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you’ll join our email list and can unsubscribe anytime.
Chicken divan casserole is a great way to stretch this simple dish. One batch makes an entire 9x13 pan that is very filling, although my husband and I often go back for more than our fill because it's too good to stop eating.
This is the best chicken divan recipe. It's so creamy, flavorful and good, it never lasts long enough to have leftovers the following day. From the cheesy sauce to the tender chicken and cooked egg noodles, this dish is one that's hard to beat!
For more tasty casseroles, be sure to check out my Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice, Overnight Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole, Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, and Instant Pot Tater Tot Casserole.
Jump to:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Buzz From Readers
"This recipe is delicious! I used French Onion flakes for the topping for more flavor. I will definitely make again."
- Sandy
💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make. With just a few simple steps, this casserole goes into the oven quickly, making it a great Easy Comfort Food Casserole.
- Frugal. Made with affordable ingredients, it's a budget friendly choice for meal planning or low cost dinners.
- Make ahead friendly. Assemble the casserole a day or two in advance and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake when ready.
🛒 Ingredients
Ritz crackers. Create a buttery, crunchy topping. If you have extras, try Meatloaf with Ritz Crackers or Rolo Stuffed Ritz Crackers.
Cream of chicken soup. Adds creaminess and flavor to the casserole.
Frozen broccoli. Use chopped frozen florets straight from the freezer, no thawing needed.
Cheddar cheese. Shredded cheddar adds a rich, savory contrast.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use leftover or rotisserie chicken. This cuts down on both cost and prep time.
Buy frozen broccoli. Frozen mixed broccoli pieces are cheaper than frozen florets and even fresh broccoli; they also work perfectly in casseroles.
Store-brand soups and crackers work well. Generic cream of chicken soup and buttery crackers keep costs low without sacrificing flavor.
🥄 Instructions for Chicken Divan Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Boil the egg noodles according to package directions. (Image 1) Drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside.
Step 3: Using the same pot the noodles were cooked in, add the diced chicken, onion, and 1 tablespoon of butter (Image 2). Cook over medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the onions are soft. Remove from the heat (Image 3).
Step 4: Add the cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the pot (Image 4). Stir until fully combined.
Step 5: Stir in the frozen broccoli and cooked egg noodles (Images 5 & 6). Mix well, then pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish (Image 7).
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers. Spread evenly over the top of the casserole and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes (Image 8). Scoop and serve. Enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Topping choice. A topping isn't required, but Ritz crackers add the best buttery, salty contrast. Breadcrumbs or panko work, but Ritz are the top choice.
- Broccoli prep. Chop frozen broccoli into smaller pieces or use pre chopped florets for quicker prep and more even bites.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: Store leftover Chicken Divan Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake as directed when ready.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
This Chicken Divan Casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, dinner rolls, or fresh fruit to round out the meal.
- Iceberg SaladRecipe $5.00 / Serving $0.83
- Easy Yeast Rolls for BeginnersRecipe $1.06 / Serving $0.12
- Strawberry Blueberry Fruit SaladRecipe $3.35 / Serving $0.84
- Roasted Baby Bok ChoyRecipe $4.02 / Serving $1.01
❓ Recipe FAQs
Yes. Personally, we love this recipe so much more with egg noodles than with any other type, but you can choose whatever you have on hand.
Absolutely! It's also a huge time saver! Shredded chicken in this recipe tastes great, so go ahead and stash a little aside while you're meal prepping.
Yes, you can. Make it up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge before baking as directed.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
- Thanksgiving TamalesRecipe $15.87 / Serving $1.32
- 20 Lazy Sunday Dinner Ideas
- Stuffed Chicken Roll UpsRecipe $10.87 / Serving $2.72
- Instant Pot Chicken SpaghettiRecipe $10.38 / Serving $1.74
🐝 If you tried this Chicken Divan Casserole, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Chicken Divan Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 ounces) egg noodles - ($1.48)
- 1 raw raw chicken breast diced or 1 cup shredded chicken - ($1.99)
- ½ cup yellow or white onion, diced - ($0.45)
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided - ($0.25)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - ($1.00)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup - ($0.54)
- ½ cup milk - ($0.10)
- ⅔ cup sour cream - ($0.66)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ($0.04)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder - ($0.04)
- salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 bag (12 ounces) frozen broccoli florets - ($0.98)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed - ($0.97)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the noodles. Boil the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside.
- Cook the chicken and onion. Using the same pot the noodles were cooked in, add the diced chicken, onion, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the onions are soft. Remove from the heat.
- Make the sauce. Add the cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir until fully combined.
- Combine and assemble. Stir in the frozen broccoli and cooked egg noodles. Mix well, then pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Add the topping and bake. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers. Spread evenly over the top of the casserole and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
- Cool and serve. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Scoop and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Topping Options: While the cracker topping can be omitted, the buttery saltiness of Ritz crackers pairs especially well with this casserole. Panko or breadcrumbs may also be used.
- Broccoli Prep: Frozen broccoli may be chopped into smaller pieces or purchased pre chopped to save time.
- Chicken Options: Shredded chicken works well and is a great use for leftover or meal prep chicken.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Information
Save This Recipe to Your Inbox
Enter your email and we'll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you'll join our email list and can unsubscribe anytime.
Sandy H. says
This recipe is delicious! I used French Onion flakes for the topping for more flavor. I will definitely make again.