Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan

Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan is a creamy, cheesy casserole loaded with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce—all finished with a buttery Ritz cracker topping. This comfort food classic is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any night you want something warm and satisfying on the table.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Recipe

• Rich, cheesy flavor – A creamy sauce and melted cheddar cheese make this casserole irresistibly good.
• Simple prep, big payoff – Just a few steps and you’ve got a full meal in one dish.
• Kid- and crowd-approved – Comforting, familiar flavors make it a favorite for all ages.
• Flexible ingredients – Use rotisserie chicken, frozen broccoli, or swap out the topping.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 stick celery, diced
• 4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Topping:

• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

How to Make Chicken Divan

1. Rest: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F.
3. Cook chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken, onion, and celery. Cook for about 3 minutes, until chicken is partially cooked.
4. Add broccoli and oil: Stir in broccoli and olive oil. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. Remove from heat.
5. Mix sauce: Stir in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, seasonings, and half of the cheese.
6. Assemble: Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
7. Bake: Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Increase oven to 400°F.
8. Add topping: Mix melted butter and crushed crackers. Sprinkle over casserole and bake uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until golden.

Expert Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
• Frozen broccoli works too—just thaw and pat dry.
• Add spice with a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
• Don’t skip the rest time—it helps everything set.

Recipe Variations

• Swap the soup: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery instead.
• Make it spicy: Add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
• Add rice: Stir in cooked white rice to make it even heartier.
• Low-carb option: Skip the cracker topping or use crushed pork rinds.

Storage Instructions

In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Chicken Divan

• Microwave: Heat on high for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until bubbly and hot.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use frozen broccoli?
  Yes, thaw and drain it first for best texture.
• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
  Absolutely—just cook slightly longer if needed.
• Can I make this spicy?
  Yes! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce.
• Can I include chicken skin for flavor?
  Yes, but remove excess fat for a balanced dish.

More Pioneer Woman Recipe:

• Pioneer Woman Chicken Dorito Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
• Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Tenders

Nutrition Fact:

• Calories: 611kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 49g
• Fat: 39g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 186mg
• Sodium: 978mg
• Potassium: 927mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Calcium: 449mg
• Iron: 2mg