Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan Casserole with Curry
A comforting casserole that layers tender chicken and steamed broccoli under a creamy sauce enriched with curry powder and cheddar cheese. The dish gets topped with buttery breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a golden, crispy finish. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this version stands out with its subtle curry flavor that adds warmth without overwhelming the classic creamy base. The one-dish format makes it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and complete.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Arrange steamed broccoli in greased 9x13-inch baking dish
- 3
Spread cooked chicken evenly over broccoli
- 4
Combine cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, curry powder, salt, and pepper in bowl
- 5
Pour sauce mixture over chicken and broccoli
- 6
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese
- 7
Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over casserole
- 8
Bake for 25-30 minutes until top is golden and casserole is bubbly
Tips
Steam broccoli just until tender-crisp to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper.
Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set slightly.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days. Reheat portions in microwave or covered in 350°F oven.
Assemble completely up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes if cold.
Serve hot as main dish with rice or crusty bread. Pairs well with simple green salad.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip greasing the dish to avoid sticking
Don't overbake to prevent drying out the chicken
Don't use frozen broccoli without thawing and draining to avoid watery casserole
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw completely and drain well to remove excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or oven.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze assembled but unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight then bake as directed, adding extra time.