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This easy Chicken Divan recipe is a healthier take on the classic casserole made with tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy homemade sauce. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights and a comforting family favorite!
Our Chicken Divan has all the comfort and none of the guilt.
Our Chicken Divan has all the comfort and none of the guilt.We're going straight back to my mom's kitchen with this recipe–this is the only Chicken Divan I've ever known! Unlike the traditional versions that are heavy with cheese and sour cream, this healthier chicken divan has wild rice, grilled chicken and a delicious sauce poured on top (no canned soup in sight!). It’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for chilly evenings when we’re craving something hearty but still homemade. And, the leftovers are just as good the next day!
Try my other comforting chicken recipes, like Chicken Tikka Masala, Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Caesar Wraps, and Chicken Noodle Casserole!
How to make Chicken Divan:
Prepare Rice and Sauce: Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, make the sauce by whisking milk and cornstarch in a saucepan, then adding butter, bouillon, seasonings, and parsley. Cook until thickened, then stir in mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder.
Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides then cook in a hot skillet until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes then chop into pieces.
Assemble and Bake: Layer rice in a 9×13” pan, then top with chopped chicken and steamed broccoli. Pour sauce evenly over everything. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30 minutes. Serve this easy chicken divan recipe warm with a green salad or french green beans and artisan bread.
Chicken Divan with Rice
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups long-grain wild rice, or white or brown rice
- 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets*, , steamed
Sauce:*
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon paste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 cup mayonnaise, (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder, , or more, to taste
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside.2 cups long-grain wild rice
- Make Sauce: In a small saucepan whisk together milk and cornstarch. Add butter, bouillon, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and parsley. Cook over medium heat until it starts to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise, lemon juice and curry powder.2 cups milk, ¼ cup cornstarch, 3 Tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon paste, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes, 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper and cook in a hot skillet until no longer pink, flipping once. (I like to butterfly the breasts if they are extra thick). Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before chopping into bite-size pieces.2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Assemble Casserole: Spoon the cooked rice into a 9×13'' pan or similar size casserole dish. Add cooked chicken and steamed broccoli on top of the rice.2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets*
- Spoon Sauce over the top of the chicken and rice.
- Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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*I originally shared this recipe March 2014. Updated November 2018, August 2023 and October 2025.
Never making this again. It was SO GOOD I couldn’t stop eating it and I busted a button. 🤣 We have made chicken divan before, but making from scratch truly takes it to another level. Excellent recipe and thank you, Lauren!
Sooooo delicious, my mother made a similar recipe when I was growing up. Yours is better!! Thanks for the wonderful recipe.
Just fabulous! I used your cream of chicken recipe with almond milk. It was so easy and it worked out great! I forgot to double the recipe for soup but it was still so tasty.
So wonderful to have healthy choices like greek yogurt and homemade soup, thank you!
Next time I will try it with homemade mayo just to see the difference.
So delicious, healthy comfort food! A-plus.
Wonderful to hear! Thanks so much for the positive comment.
This was my favorite meal growing up! We called it chicken broccoli casserole and our recipe is basically identical to yours. I’ve never seen it outside my family.
I made this last week for my family of boys and everyone absolutely loved it. The sauce is so good, and I love how easy it was. I used a box of wild rice and some cooked white rice that I had leftover in the fridge.
Sounds good. I need some healthy stuff in my life. I’ve never had this before, although I have heard of it. Kathleen @ Fearlessly Creative Mammas
Is this really Chris’s favorite?? My whole family makes fun of me because it is my favorite meal! (Not the skinny version though, haha)! Ours never had bread crumbs in it though. Its fun how there are so many different variations of a classic!
It looks delicious. I’ve never had this dish. I think my kids will enjoy it.
I love chicken divan! But I use miracle whip and a little brown sugar.
This is one of our families favorite recipes (not the skinny version) – in fact I was just talking to my mom about it and she’s making it for family dinner on Sunday. I’m gonna have to pass this version of it on to her! Thanks lady!
This looks so yum! I love cooking with broccoli. My kids actually love it too!