Chicken Divan Curry Casserole

This Chicken Divan Curry Casserole is a comforting twist on a classic dish, combining tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, creamy curry sauce. Topped with melted cheese and baked to golden perfection, it delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a new favorite.

What is Chicken Divan?

Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish traditionally made with chicken, broccoli, and a creamy Mornay sauce (a cheese-infused béchamel sauce).

The dish is often topped with cheese or breadcrumbs and baked until bubbly and golden.

It was originally created in the early 20th century at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City’s Chatham Hotel, hence the name.

What ingredients are needed to make Chicken Divan Curry Casserole?

Here’s a breakdown of why each ingredient is used in this vegan-friendly Chicken Divan Curry Casserole recipe:

Broccoli florets add a fresh, nutritious element to the casserole, providing a contrasting texture to the creamy base. Their mild flavor pairs well with the curry and creamy sauce.

Vegan chicken: This plant-based protein substitute replaces traditional chicken, offering a similar texture while keeping the dish vegan. It helps make the casserole hearty and satisfying.

Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor by adding a subtle, savory depth and a hint of warmth that complements both the curry and the vegetables.

Curry powder gives the dish a vibrant, spiced flavor, adding complexity to the creamy base while creating a fusion between traditional Chicken Divan and curry flavors.

Dairy-free mushroom soup acts as the creamy foundation of the casserole, adding richness and umami without the need for dairy, maintaining a smooth, comforting texture.

Non-dairy sour cream brings tanginess and creaminess to the dish, balancing the richness of the sauce while keeping the casserole dairy-free.

A hearty base that makes the dish more filling, rice soaks up the creamy sauce and adds a pleasant texture.

Vegan cheddar provides that melty, cheesy topping typical in Chicken Divan but without dairy, contributing to both flavor and visual appeal when baked.

Breadcrumbs create a crispy, golden topping, offering a satisfying contrast to the creamy casserole beneath, adding texture and a finished look.

How to make Chicken Divan Curry Casserole

Make sure you have cooked rice ready (check package instructions on how to cook it). Preheat oven to 380F.

Heat vegetable oil in a pan. When hot, add the vegan chicken and broccoli florets and saute both for about 5 minutes. Keep stirring and season it with a bit of salt and pepper.

Now, give all the other ingredients except for the breadcrumbs and about a quarter of the vegan cheddar cheese into a large mixing bowl. Also add the cooked chicken and broccoli mixture. Combine everything into one big mixture.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, then top with the reserved cheese and the breadcrumbs. 

Finally, bake the Chicken Divan Curry Casserole for 15 minutes until the top is golden brown. 

What to serve with Chicken Divan Curry Casserole?

Chicken Divan Casserole pairs well with light and complementary side dishes to balance its richness. Here are a few great options:

1. A fresh, crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
2. Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
3. Roasting veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini adds a nutritious and slightly sweet element to round out the meal.

These sides keep the focus on the casserole while adding a variety of textures and flavors.

Variations

Here are three variations of Chicken Divan Casserole to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:

• Low-Carb Chicken Divan: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or omit it altogether, and use a low-carb, dairy-free sauce option like a cashew-based cream. This makes the casserole lighter while still maintaining its creamy and hearty character.
• Spicy Chicken Divan: Add heat by incorporating cayenne pepper or red chili flakes into the curry powder and sauce. You can also use spicy vegan sausage or a plant-based protein with a kick for extra spice lovers.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Divan: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and opt for a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Serve with quinoa or a gluten-free grain alternative to keep the casserole gluten-free while preserving its comforting appeal.

What to do with leftovers of Chicken Divan Curry Casserole?

Leftover Chicken Divan Casserole can be repurposed in several delicious ways:

Spoon the leftover casserole into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for a new meal with added freshness and color.

Wrap the leftovers in tortillas with fresh greens or rice for a quick, handheld meal.

Sauté the leftovers with additional vegetables and cooked rice to create a flavorful fried rice dish.

These ideas help transform the leftovers into something new while minimizing food waste!

Other casserole recipes to try:

• Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Broccoli Rice Casserole
• White Chili Rice Casserole
• Easy Leftover Broccoli Casserole Recipe
• Monterey Jack Chicken Casserole Recipe

I hope you enjoy this delicious and comforting Chicken Divan Curry Casserole!

If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turned out—be sure to leave a comment below and give it a star rating to let others know what you think.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on Instagram or Facebook, tagging me so I can see your beautiful creations!