If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that is both hearty and packed with vibrant flavors, the Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe will soon become your new go-to. This casserole brings together tender rotisserie chicken, wholesome broccoli, creamy mushroom sauce, and a golden, crispy topping that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Each bite bursts with richness and warmth, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners where simplicity meets indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden crust you’re aiming for.
- Rotisserie chicken (600 grams): Ready-cooked and chopped, it adds rich, smoky chicken flavor and a satisfying protein base with minimal prep time.
- Frozen broccoli florets (1 1/2 lbs / 680 grams): These provide a tender crunch and fresh green color while making the casserole more nutritious.
- Ben’s Original Ready Rice Jasmine (17.3 oz / 490 grams): Convenient and fragrant, the jasmine rice adds a fluffy, fragrant layer that perfectly absorbs the creamy sauce.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups / 115 grams): Adds a tangy, melty richness that binds the casserole layers delightfully.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can / 10.5 oz): This classic pantry staple brings that comforting creamy mushroom flavor to keep every bite luscious.
- Plain non-fat Greek yogurt (1 cup / 8 fl oz): Adds a tangy creaminess and a healthy twist that lightens the overall taste without sacrificing texture.
- Swanson Chicken Cooking Stock, Unsalted (1 cup / 8 fl oz): Enhances savory depth with homemade taste, giving the casserole its ultimate boost in flavor.
- 4C Panko Seasoned Bread Crumbs (6 tbsp / 21 grams): For that perfectly crisp and golden topping, adding crunch and visual appeal.
- Dijon mustard (1/2 tbsp): Subtle spice and complexity that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds a warm, smoky note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Ground mustard (1/2 tsp): Provides background heat and a hint of sharpness, complementing the other spices.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) and pepper (1/2 tsp): Essential seasonings to bring all the ingredients together harmoniously.
- Oh My Spice! Lemon Pepper Seasoning (1/2 tsp): Introduces a zesty brightness that makes the flavor pop.
How to Make Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Casserole Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Whether you butter it up or use non-stick spray, this step is vital to ensure the casserole slides out easily when served. Setting the right oven temperature also guarantees everything cooks evenly — those creamy layers need to meld beautifully!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce
Next, grab a mixing bowl and whisk the can of cream of mushroom soup, Greek yogurt, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and the entire assortment of spices until smooth and fully combined. This luscious sauce is the heart of the dish, wrapping every bite in savory, tangy, and smoky goodness. The Greek yogurt keeps it rich but balanced, while the spices add that extra zing that you can’t help but love.
Step 3: Build the Base Layers
Now it’s time to start layering your casserole! Spread the frozen broccoli evenly across the bottom of your greased dish, followed by half of your fragrant jasmine rice on top. Pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over the rice, then sprinkle about one third of the shredded sharp cheddar across the surface. Layering like this ensures that every serving will have the perfect ratio of veggies, rice, cheese, and creamy sauce — all the good stuff together.
Step 4: Add Chicken, Rice, and the Final Touch
Remember, this is the Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe, so chicken definitely belongs near the center! Add the chopped rotisserie chicken over your first layer, then the remaining rice. Pour the rest of the sauce on top to fully soak the ingredients, and finally pile on the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Top it all off with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, which toast up into a golden, irresistible crust during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in the oven for about 30 minutes at 375 degrees. The casserole will cook through and the flavors will marry into one delicious dish. For the last 2 to 3 minutes, switch the oven to broil — but watch carefully! This final step crisps up the breadcrumbs into that perfect golden topping that everyone will rave about. Remove when it’s bubbling and browned beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving. A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the creamy, cheesy notes wonderfully. These simple garnishes take the casserole from comforting to downright elegant.
Side Dishes
This casserole is satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables like carrots and asparagus. For a lighter contrast, cool cucumber salad or a tangy cranberry relish can provide a lovely balance to the creamy richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties or smaller households. You can also sprinkle extra panko on top right before broiling to create dramatic layers of crunch, or mix in other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to customize the flavor to your liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Divine Casserole keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce stays cozy with the chicken and broccoli, meaning every bite maintains that homemade goodness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this casserole ahead of time for a busy weeknight, it freezes beautifully! Assemble it completely but stop before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you can simply thaw it overnight and bake fresh whenever you’re ready.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through to preserve that beautiful texture. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover it to keep moisture locked in and reheat in shorter intervals for even warming. For best results, add a few extra minutes crisping under the broiler afterward to refresh the top crust.
FAQs
Can I substitute the rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can use cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs if you prefer to cook your own. Rotisserie chicken just offers convenience and ready-made flavor that syncs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, with some tweaks! Substitute the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free vegan cheese, and swap the Greek yogurt and cream of mushroom soup for dairy-free alternatives. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes! If using fresh broccoli, steam it lightly first to ensure it cooks through evenly in the casserole. This helps maintain its bright green color and tender texture throughout baking.
How spicy is the casserole?
It’s very mild with a subtle smoky and peppery kick from the smoked paprika and lemon pepper seasoning. If you enjoy spicier dishes, you can always add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce in the cream mixture to spice things up.
Can I prepare this casserole vegan?
Transforming this exact Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe into a vegan dish would require substituting chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, replacing cheese and dairy with vegan alternatives, and using a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup. With the right swaps, it can be just as divine!
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe is a shining example of comfort food done right: easy to prepare, packed with delicious layers, and so satisfying that it feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving a cozy homemade meal, this dish will not disappoint. Give it a try — it might just become one of your all-time favorite casseroles too!
Print
Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Divine Casserole is a comforting, layered baked dish featuring tender rotisserie chicken, broccoli, jasmine rice, and a creamy mushroom sauce enriched with Greek yogurt and spices. Topped with sharp cheddar cheese and seasoned panko breadcrumbs, it bakes to a golden, crispy perfection that’s perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 small to medium rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, then chopped (600 grams)
- 1 1/2 lbs frozen broccoli florets (680 grams)
Grains
- 1 packet Ben’s Original Ready Rice Jasmine Family Size Rice (17.3 oz / 490 grams)
Dairy and Sauces
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (115 grams)
- 1 10.5 oz can Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (298 grams)
- 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (8 fl oz)
- 1 cup Swanson Chicken Cooking Stock, Unsalted (8 fl oz)
Seasonings and Toppings
- 6 tbsp 4C Panko Seasoned Bread Crumbs (21 grams)
- 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp Oh My Spice! Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Pre-heat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13″ casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and allows for easy serving later. The temperature ensures even cooking throughout the layers.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, plain non-fat Greek yogurt, chicken stock, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon pepper seasoning until well combined. This sauce will bind the casserole ingredients and add rich, tangy flavor.
- Layer Broccoli and Rice: Add the frozen broccoli florets evenly to the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with half of the jasmine rice packet. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the broccoli and rice layer. Sprinkle about one third of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over this layer. Layering ensures balanced flavors in every bite.
- Layer Chicken and Remaining Rice: Spread chopped rotisserie chicken evenly over the previous layer, then add the remaining rice. Pour the rest of the cream sauce evenly over the top. Finish the casserole by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese and seasoned panko breadcrumbs across the surface. This will yield a delicious crunchy topping once baked.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 375°F for about 30 minutes, until bubbling and heated through. For the last 2-3 minutes, switch the oven to broil to brown and crisp the breadcrumb and cheese topping. Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let it rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen; steam it lightly before layering to reduce moisture.
- Pre-cooked or leftover chicken works well if rotisserie chicken is not available.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with another sharp cheese like aged gouda or mozzarella for different flavors.
- Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up for easier serving.
- Use a casserole dish with higher sides to avoid spillovers during baking.
