Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe

The Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe is a hearty, family-friendly twist on the classic casserole. By layering tender chicken, fresh broccoli, a creamy cheese sauce, and fluffy rice, this dish transforms into a complete one-pan meal that’s both filling and comforting. The addition of rice not only stretches the casserole to feed more people but also soaks up all the rich flavors of the sauce, making every bite deeply satisfying.

Much like the golden layers in the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe or the bold flavors in the Texas Chili Recipe, this variation of Chicken Divan delivers cozy, nostalgic comfort while remaining versatile enough to adapt to your taste. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a make-ahead freezer meal.

The inclusion of rice makes it a complete dish on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with lighter sides like the Apple Chickpea Salad for freshness, or even warm breads for a heartier spread. By combining protein, vegetables, and grains in one casserole, the Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or preparing for guests, this dish brings together everything we love about comfort food: creamy, cheesy, hearty, and always satisfying. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest combinations of chicken, broccoli, sauce, and rice create the most memorable meals.

Origins of the Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe

The original Chicken Divan Recipe was created in the 1930s at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City, where it was served as an elegant casserole featuring chicken, broccoli, and a rich béchamel sauce. Over the decades, the dish left the restaurant world and became a home-cooking classic across America, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, when casseroles grew in popularity as practical, family-sized meals.

The Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe emerged as a natural variation once home cooks began adapting the original to stretch portions and make it a complete one-pan dinner. Adding rice not only bulked up the casserole to feed larger families but also absorbed the creamy sauce, creating a comforting texture that made the dish even more filling. This evolution reflected a broader trend in American kitchens, maximizing both flavor and practicality, much like the way casseroles such as the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe became staples for feeding a crowd.

Rice-based versions of Chicken Divan quickly became popular for their versatility. White rice was the most common, but variations with wild rice or brown rice gave the casserole an earthy twist. These adaptations mirrored the way comfort dishes evolve regionally, similar to how the bold flavors of the Texas Chili Recipe or the balanced wholesomeness of the Mediterranean Lentil Soup took on countless personalized spins over time.

Today, the Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe is recognized not only as a budget-friendly way to prepare a full meal in one dish, but also as a versatile base for experimentation. Whether made lighter with Greek yogurt and brown rice, or more indulgent with extra cheese and buttery breadcrumbs, it remains one of the most loved comfort casseroles in modern kitchens, a dish that bridges tradition with practicality.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe

1. Cook rice until just tender: To avoid mushiness, cook your rice until it’s slightly underdone before baking. The casserole’s creamy sauce will finish cooking in the oven. This technique is similar to how the potatoes in the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe maintain their texture after baking.
2. Layer carefully for best results: Start with rice as the base, then layer broccoli, chicken, and sauce. This helps the rice absorb all the flavors evenly while preventing the chicken from drying out.
3. Choose the right rice: Long-grain white rice is the classic choice, but wild rice or brown rice adds a nutty depth of flavor. For a quicker version, pre-cooked rice can be used. This is a flexible step, much like swapping proteins or seasonings in the Texas Chili Recipe.
4. Balance creaminess and spice: For a richer dish, use full-fat sour cream or cream cheese. To lighten it up, swap with Greek yogurt. If you like a little kick, add paprika, curry powder, or cayenne to the sauce, much like adding spice layers in the Chicken Paprikash Recipe.
5. Don’t skip the topping: A crispy breadcrumb and cheese topping makes the dish irresistible. Mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling them creates a golden crust and prevents sogginess.
6. Meal prep friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it unbaked for up to 2 months, just like other freezer-friendly comfort foods, such as the Apple Chickpea Salad Recipe, which stores well in chilled form for meal prep.

Health Benefits of Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe

The Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe isn’t just cozy comfort food; it’s also a well-balanced meal that provides protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in one dish. When prepared with wholesome ingredients and a few smart substitutions, this casserole can be both indulgent and nourishing.

• High in Protein: Chicken is a lean protein that supports muscle repair, satiety, and energy levels. Pairing it with broccoli and rice makes this dish more complete than protein alone.
• Vegetable-Packed: Broccoli adds vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants, making this dish a nutrient-rich casserole. It’s similar to how the Mediterranean Lentil Soup uses legumes and vegetables to create a balanced and wholesome meal.
• Whole Grains Option: Using brown rice or wild rice instead of white rice boosts fiber content, helps with digestion, and adds minerals like magnesium and selenium.
• Customizable for Lighter Eating: Swapping full-fat cream or mayonnaise for Greek yogurt lowers calories and adds extra protein without sacrificing creaminess.
• One-Pan Nutritional Balance: By combining lean protein, nutrient-dense vegetables, and grains, Chicken Divan with Rice works as a complete, satisfying main dish on its own.

Nutrition Table (per serving, approx.)

Variations of Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe

The beauty of the Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe lies in its adaptability. Families have made countless spins on this casserole over the years, turning it into a customizable comfort dish that can match any taste or dietary preference. Here are some of the most popular and creative variations:

1. Classic Chicken Divan with Rice: The traditional style includes white rice, chicken, broccoli, a creamy sauce, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping. It’s timeless and perfect for anyone craving the familiar flavors of cozy casseroles like the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe.
2. Brown Rice or Wild Rice Version: For a nuttier flavor and more fiber, swap white rice with brown rice or wild rice. This variation adds depth and turns the dish into a healthier option, similar to the nutrient balance of the Mediterranean Lentil Soup.
3. Keto-Friendly Chicken Divan: Skip the rice and replace it with riced cauliflower. Use almond flour or pork rind crumbs instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb topping. Much like the Chicken Chaffle Recipe, this keto spin keeps it creamy but carb-conscious.
4. Spicy Chicken Divan with Rice: Stir curry powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika into the sauce for a bold, zesty kick. This variation mirrors the flavor layering seen in the Texas Chili Recipe, appealing to those who love heat.
5. Vegetarian Divan with Rice: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower, mushrooms, or chickpeas. This plant-based version still delivers hearty flavor while adding extra fiber and nutrients.
6. Make-Ahead Freezer Divan: Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen with an extra 15 minutes of cook time. It’s a great option for busy weeknights, much like how the Apple Chickpea Salad Recipe works as a meal-prep favorite.
7. Extra-Cheesy Divan with Rice: Double the cheddar cheese and sprinkle mozzarella on top for an ultra-indulgent, gooey version that’s irresistible for cheese lovers.

Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe From OoohDelish!

Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe

A hearty twist on the classic casserole, the Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe layers tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheese sauce topped with golden breadcrumbs. A complete, family-friendly one-pan dinner!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Casserole, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
• 3 cups cooked rice white, brown, or wild
• 4 cups broccoli florets lightly steamed
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup mayonnaise optional, for richer texture
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour for keto
• 2 tbsp butter melted

Equipment

• Cutting board & knife
• Medium saucepan
• Steamer or pot for broccoli
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13 baking dish
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Prepare broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well.
3. Cook rice: Prepare rice until slightly undercooked; it will absorb flavors while baking.
4. Make sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
5. Layer base: Spread rice evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with broccoli and chicken.
6. Add sauce: Pour creamy mixture over the chicken, broccoli, and rice. Spread evenly.
7. Cheese topping: Sprinkle remaining cheddar and Parmesan over the top.
8. Breadcrumb topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, then scatter evenly over the casserole.
9. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
10. Rest & serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.

Notes

• Use wild rice for a nutty, earthy flavor and added nutrition.
• Swap mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• For a keto spin, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Assemble ahead, refrigerate up to 24 hours, or freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.

hare Your Twist

Did you grow up eating Chicken Divan with Rice? Maybe you add mushrooms, swap in cauliflower rice, or sneak in extra cheese (because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!). 🍴
We’d love to hear your unique spin drop your twist in the comments and inspire other food lovers on Oooh Delish!

FAQs: Chicken Divan with Rice Recipe