Looking for a cozy, family-friendly dinner idea? This chicken divan with rice is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy casserole recipe made with tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings!

There’s something about a bubbling casserole coming out of the oven that just says home, isn’t there? Chicken divan with rice is one of those timeless comfort foods that never goes out of style. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of those cozy flavors that make everyone gather around the table a little faster.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. It combines tender chicken, soft broccoli, and fluffy rice under a blanket of creamy sauce and melted cheese. Even on the busiest weeknights, this dish feels special.
If you love creamy rice dishes, you might also enjoy Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice, a Southern favorite that’s every bit as comforting.
Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing a dish to a potluck, chicken divan with rice always delivers. And trust me, it tastes even better the next day, if there’s any left!
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Divan with Rice
The beauty of chicken divan with rice lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that rich, satisfying flavor we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked long-grain rice (2 cups): The base of the dish. It soaks up all that creamy sauce and keeps everything hearty and filling.
- Frozen broccoli florets (2 packages, 10 oz each): Adds color, texture, and a hint of freshness to balance the richness.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, cubed): The star protein. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roast, or poached chicken, whatever’s easiest!
- Cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each): The foundation of that creamy, velvety sauce.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Adds depth, richness, and that signature smooth texture.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Just a splash brightens everything up beautifully.
- Curry powder (½ teaspoon): The secret ingredient that adds warmth and subtle spice without overpowering the dish.
- Sharp Cheddar cheese (½ cup, shredded): Brings that cheesy goodness everyone loves.
- Soft bread crumbs (½ cup): For that crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Helps those bread crumbs turn golden and irresistible in the oven.
Each ingredient works together to create that comforting balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and just a touch of tang. For a slow-cooked twist on the chicken and rice combo, try our flavorful Crockpot Chicken Thighs and Rice recipe, it’s tender, hands-off, and full of rich flavor.

Additional Ingredients and Substitutions
Don’t have everything on hand? No worries! One of the best things about chicken divan with rice is its flexibility. You can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
- Rice substitutes: Try brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa if you want extra fiber and a nutty twist.
- Broccoli alternatives: Cauliflower, green beans, or even asparagus work wonderfully.
- Cheese options: Swap Cheddar for Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Colby. Each brings a slightly different flavor personality.
- Cream soup alternatives: You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a deeper, earthy taste.
- Lighter version: Use light mayo or substitute part of it with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lower-fat twist.
- Crunchy topping ideas: Crushed Ritz crackers, cornflakes, or panko breadcrumbs make excellent stand-ins for soft bread crumbs.
Cooking is meant to be fun and creative. Feel free to mix things up until you find your family’s favorite version! If you prefer a lighter or lower-sodium option, check out our Low Sodium Chicken Bake, which keeps all the flavor without the extra salt.
Expert Tips
If you want your chicken divan with rice to turn out perfectly every single time, these expert tips will help you master it like a pro.
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here. It’s flavorful, juicy, and shaves off prep time. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, roast or poach it lightly seasoned so it blends well with the sauce. - Cook your rice ahead of time.
This recipe works best when the rice is fully cooked and slightly cooled. Warm rice can make the sauce too runny once baked. Cold rice, on the other hand, absorbs the flavors better during baking. - Balance the sauce.
The creamy base of this dish comes from a mix of cream of chicken soup, mayo, lemon juice, and curry powder. Add more lemon juice for tang or extra curry and garlic powder for richer flavor. - Layer with love.
Spread each layer evenly: rice, broccoli, chicken, sauce, cheese, and finally the breadcrumb topping. This ensures every bite has a perfect mix of textures and flavors. - Keep an eye on your bake time.
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned on top, and the sauce should be hot all the way through. - Let it rest before serving.
Give your casserole about 10 minutes to cool before scooping it out. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier (plus, it saves you from burning your tongue!). - Add a pop of color for presentation.
A sprinkle of parsley or paprika on top before serving adds a pretty finishing touch and makes your chicken divan with rice look restaurant-worthy.
For another easy bake that layers similar comforting ingredients, try the Turkey Rice Broccoli Casserole, it’s perfect for post-holiday leftovers!
How to Make Chicken Divan With Rice
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 11×7-inch baking dish.
- Spread the rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. It forms the perfect base for the casserole.
- Layer the broccoli over the rice. Make sure it’s evenly distributed for the best balance.
- Add the chicken on top of the broccoli. Don’t worry if it looks rustic, it’ll all come together beautifully.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder until smooth.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, letting it seep down into all the layers.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the top, covering the surface evenly.
- Prepare the topping: Mix the bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle that golden goodness over the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the top is crisp and golden.
- Cool slightly before serving and enjoy that perfect creamy crunch in every bite.
Additional Guide: Variations and Serving Ideas
Chicken divan with rice is one of those recipes that can be dressed up or down depending on your mood or occasion.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
- Go extra cheesy: Double the cheese layer if you’re a true cheese lover (I won’t tell!).
- Add crunch: Toss in a handful of toasted almonds or crushed crackers on top for added texture.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding about 10 extra minutes.
- Freezer-friendly version: Freeze the unbaked casserole tightly covered for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking as usual.
Want a fresher, Mediterranean-style casserole? You’ll love our Chicken Tzatziki Dump and Bake, it’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. It’s one of those recipes that fits any occasion, from busy weeknights to family gatherings.

FAQs About Chicken Divan with Rice
Can I freeze chicken divan with rice?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly.
What’s the best rice for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice works best because it stays fluffy and absorbs the sauce without getting mushy. Brown rice is a great option if you want extra fiber.
How do I keep it from being too watery?
Make sure your broccoli is well-drained and your rice is fully cooked before layering. Also, avoid overmixing the sauce, it should be creamy, not runny.
Conclusion
There’s just something magical about chicken divan with rice. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, warm, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing something to share, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for Sunday dinners. And with all those little tweaks and tips, you can make it your own.
So, next time you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and satisfying, give this chicken divan with rice a try. I promise, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has been loved for generations.
And if you’re exploring more rice-based dinners, don’t miss our Chicken Over Rice recipe, it’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight meals.

Chicken Divan with Rice
Equipment
- 11×7-inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked long-grain rice
- 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets
- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 11×7-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen broccoli florets evenly over the rice layer.
- Top the broccoli with the cubed cooked chicken.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder. Stir until smooth, then pour the mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix the soft bread crumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.