This post contains affiliate links.
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.
Text me new recipe ideas!
Simple, tasty ideas sent once a week. No spam.
Follow Me
*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!
I lost my original recipe and found yours! Yay! It is very good and a pretty simple dish that everyone loves. It’s perfect for leftovers, too. I love the tastes of lemon and curry together, and now I use 1 tablespoon of lemon.
And if you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of brocolli soup or cream of mushroom soup and it always comes out good.
This meal is truly DELICIOUS!I have prepared it for family that has been making their own versions of Chicken Divan and they actually prefer this recipe to their 30 year+ recipes!
(I substitute turkey for chicken for our dietary needs).
Thank you so much for this fabulous recipe!
It’s the lady who didn’t have curry powder!
I went and bought curry powder, used the homemade cream of chicken soup recipe linked, and WOW!
This dish is delicious! I can’t WAIT for leftovers, it was a phenomenal, easy, comforting dish
Ok, I didn’t have any curry powder so I opted for a snooch of poultry spice in the sauce instead, and didn’t have the right size pan, but this recipe was delicious and my kids ate A LOT and fought over who got the leftovers too!
I put the (cooked and drained) broccoli in a food processor, as some people don’t like the chunks, but processed, ok.. I also add 1 1/2 C C Cheddar, and top with buttered croutons..
Hi, I was wondering if you ever tried freezing this dish? I love this recipe and would love to make it for a friend as a freezer casserole. Thanks.
This has become my go to quick and easy dinner, because it is delicious and I always have all the ingredients. Thank you for another yummy recipe.
(Also I’ve made this with just the sauce and chicken bake, and left the rice out of the baking, when I forgot to hit start on the rice cooker 🤦♀️..but timing worked out perfect. Rice finished in the cooker and bake came out of the oven at the same time and then just scooped the sauce on top of the rice and it was delicious! )
Thanks so much Kristi–I’m happy you’ve liked it! <3
I just wanted to say that I have been searching for a meal plan resource for a while now. I have acquired “memberships”, etc, and still find myself having to do so much planning and research. I wanted someone else to tell me what to make, provide the recipe and I can do the rest. I haven’t made any of the recipes yet, but I am already so excited and relieved to have this big helper. I downloaded the 5 week meal plan and can’t wait to get cooking. Thank you
I’m so happy you found me! I can’t wait to hear how you like the 5-week meal plan!
Super easy and the family loved it
This did not go over super well with our family. It was alright. But be warned, it makes A LOT so if you’ve never had it or you’re unsure maybe start by halving the recipe. Me, husband and two young kids (4 & 3) who are not very picky maybe ate a third of the casserole dish. I am really appreciating these meal plans though and it’s never bad to try something new!!