Easy Chicken Divan with Broccoli

My husband and I have been making a version of this Easy Chicken Divan with Broccoli for years. It was always one of his favorites. Creamy, cheesy, and Yummy! Over the years, I have changed the recipe around a bit. Our latest family favorite version of this easy chicken and broccoli casserole uses alfredo sauce, cheese, and has a Bisquick topping.

My family prefers this broccoli chicken divan recipe over other creamy casserole dishes using condensed soup. I still try my best to use simple ingredients and make the clean-up as easy as possible.

As busy moms (and dads!) we are always looking for easy dinner recipe ideas. There are a couple of variations to this recipe for chicken broccoli divan, and I will explain as I go along with the photos below.

One of the best things about this easy recipe is that you have a complete meal in a classic casserole. If you really want to serve a side dish, I would suggest maybe some fruit and a light salad.

Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to make a meal that will satisfy the entire family. 

Ingredients needed

To make this chicken casserole you will need,

• Broccoli - We really prefer to use fresh broccoli in this recipe. You can use frozen broccoli though if you prefer.
• Cooked chicken - Chicken breast or chicken thighs will work. Whatever you have available. I love to use leftover rotisserie chicken. Or, how about some of that leftover Thanksgiving turkey!
• Cheddar cheese - pre-shredded cheese is great for convenience, but shredded your own cheese will give a better texture and flavor, in my opinion.
• Jar of Alfredo sauce - the secret to the creamy sauce. Use your favorite jar of bottled alfredo sauce. I really like the Newman's Own brand.
• Milk - whole or 2% will work fine.
• Bisquick - regular Bisquick.
• Sour cream - the sour cream is used in the biscuit topping. Yum!
• Parmesan cheese - always a great finishing touch.

Ingredients amounts and complete recipe directions are shown below on the printable recipe card.

Making the filling

Step one is to start the broccoli cooking.

We don't like to find crispy and undercooked broccoli in our chicken divan. But, we don't want it mushy either.

I put several cups worth of broccoli in a dish with a tiny bit of water. Then I cook in the microwave for about 3 minutes. 

The broccoli is done. It is so pretty! 🙂

Next, I prepare the chicken.

For this simple recipe, I have used rotisserie chicken, but today I am using these pre-grilled chicken strips that we found at Costco. This method is super easy.

You can also cook up some boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, or even chicken tenders. Cook the chicken in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or medium-high heat. When the chicken has thoroughly cooked, shred or cube the chicken.

This is a great recipe to use up any leftover chicken you may have. Or, leftover turkey!

Cheese, cheese, cheese... glorious cheese!

Okay, sometimes I used the pre-shredded cheese but I have to admit it is worth the effort to shred your own. I am using a medium cheddar. What type of cheese you use is really personal preference.

Now that we have the chicken, broccoli, and cheese in the bowl we need to mix in the creamy cheese sauce.

I like to use Roasted Garlic white sauce. I have used white sauces by Newman's Own, Ragu, and Preggo. Pick your favorite!

One other thing I have learned, after pouring the sauce in the bowl I fill the jar ½ to ⅔ full of milk. Put the lid back on and shake it up. Add the milk to the bowl and mix well.

If you don't add the milk the filling might be a bit thick. 

After you have mixed the ingredients all together, add the mixture to a 13" x 9" casserole dish that you have sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Next, it is time to make the topping.

I just grab the same bowl I mixed up the chicken filling in because, well, I hate to do dishes. It's all going into the same place after all, right?

Here I mixed together Bisquick, sour cream, milk, and Parmesan. 

Pour the batter over the chicken and you have... cake batter! No, just kidding. It just looks a little like cake batter. It will be great, trust me.

Put the chicken divan in a preheated 400-degree oven and let it bake.

The biscuit topping on the chicken divan will be nice and golden brown when it is done. The inside is creamy chicken, with cheesy sauce and broccoli. A complete meal in a single dish!

Ah yes. Here we go. Now doesn't that look delicious! Cheesy chicken and broccoli in a garlic Alfredo sauce with a big ol' biscuit on top!

Comfort food!

This Easy Chicken Divan recipe is a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, or lazy weekends.

Enjoy!