If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture, the Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This casserole combines tender rotisserie chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy jasmine rice all dressed in a luscious, creamy sauce then topped with a crunchy, golden breadcrumb and sharp cheddar crust. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and fresh, simple yet elegant enough to impress any guest or just treat yourself on a weeknight. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe, it’ll be requested again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on straightforward and accessible ingredients, each playing a crucial role in bringing the flavors and textures together beautifully. From the savory cream of mushroom soup that creates the rich base to the bright broccoli for freshness and cheese for that melty goodness, every component matters.
- Rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds seasoned, juicy meat without extra fuss.
- Frozen broccoli florets: Convenient and nutritious, they provide a vibrant pop of color and a tender crunch when baked.
- Ben’s Original Ready Rice Jasmine Family Size Rice: Ready-to-use rice offers perfect fluffy texture with minimal preparation.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, creamy layer that melts beautifully into the casserole.
- Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: A classic comfort ingredient that creates the velvety sauce base.
- Plain non-fat Greek yogurt: Introduces a tangy creaminess, making the sauce lighter yet luscious.
- Swanson Chicken Cooking Stock, Unsalted: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering other flavors.
- 4C Panko Seasoned Bread Crumbs: For that golden, crisp topping that brings a lovely crunch contrast.
- Dijon mustard: Delivers a subtle bite and complexity to the sauce.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Ground mustard: Boosts the mustard flavor in a gentle way.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning that balances the dish’s flavors.
- Oh My Spice! Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Brings a zesty, citrusy kick for extra brightness.
How to Make Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish generously with butter or a non-stick spray. This step is key to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly when serving, plus helps the edges brown nicely. Preheating the oven ensures an even heat that cooks all the layers perfectly.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, Greek yogurt, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon pepper seasoning until smooth and well combined. This sauce is the heart of the Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe, infusing every bite with rich, tangy, savory goodness with a perfectly balanced depth.
Step 3: Build the Bottom Layers
Layer the casserole by spreading the frozen broccoli florets evenly across the bottom of the dish. Follow this with half of the jasmine rice, distributing it evenly over the broccoli. Next, pour half of the creamy sauce mixture on top, then sprinkle about one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese all over. Layering in this order helps cook the broccoli properly while ensuring every bite gets that luscious sauce and cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Finish Layers
Place the chopped rotisserie chicken evenly over the first layers, then add the remaining jasmine rice on top of the chicken. Pour the rest of the creamy sauce over everything to soak through all the layers. Finish by sprinkling the remaining sharp cheddar and the seasoned panko breadcrumbs across the entire casserole. This final crispy layer gives the dish its signature golden, crunchy topping that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy base.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your layered Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe in the preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes. Then, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes—just enough to create a gorgeous golden crust. Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning. This step melds all the flavors together while making the top irresistibly crisp.
How to Serve Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or chives make excellent garnishes, adding a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to each serving. A light sprinkle of extra lemon pepper seasoning over the top right before serving can also brighten the rich flavors and balance the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Alternatively, steamed green beans or roasted carrots add complementary texture and color that round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes for a personalized touch at dinner parties. You can even layer it in a clear glass baking dish so the beautiful layers are visible, making it as stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Divine Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools at room temperature before sealing to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking or freeze the entire uncooked casserole tightly wrapped in plastic and foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, bake covered at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20 to 30 minutes depending on the portion size. Uncover in the last 5 minutes to refresh the crispy breadcrumb topping. Alternatively, reheat smaller portions in the microwave on medium power to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli can be used—just steam it lightly before layering to ensure it cooks through fully without becoming mushy during baking.
Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade creamy sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth for a fresher taste.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace the chicken with extra broccoli or your choice of mushrooms and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
How spicy is this dish?
This Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe is gently spiced with smoky and tangy notes but not hot or spicy. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste if you prefer more heat.
Can I prepare the casserole fully assembled ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh when ready. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Divine Casserole Recipe enough for anyone craving a comforting yet vibrant meal that comes together with ease. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug and always leaves your table satisfied and smiling. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!
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
Chicken Divine Casserole is a comforting, layered baked dish featuring tender rotisserie chicken, nutritious broccoli, flavorful jasmine rice, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with sharp cheddar cheese and crispy panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for a family meal, this casserole blends tangy Greek yogurt and spices to create a rich, delicious flavor with a golden-brown crust.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 small to medium rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, chopped (600 grams)
- 1 1/2 lbs frozen broccoli florets (680 grams)
Rice
- 1 packet Ben’s Original Ready Rice Jasmine Family Size Rice (17.3 oz / 490 grams)
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (115 grams)
- 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (8 fl oz)
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 10.5 oz can Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (298 grams)
- 1 cup Swanson Chicken Cooking Stock, Unsalted (8 fl oz)
- 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
- Prepare the oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish well using butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and allow for easy serving.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, plain non-fat Greek yogurt, unsalted chicken stock, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon pepper seasoning until the sauce is smooth and well combined, which will provide a rich and flavorful base for the casserole.
- Start the layers: Spread the frozen broccoli florets evenly on the bottom of the greased casserole dish, followed by half of the jasmine rice. Pour half of the creamy sauce mixture evenly over these layers, then sprinkle approximately one-third of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top to begin building the casserole’s layers.
- Complete the assembly: Add the chopped rotisserie chicken over the first layer, then add the remaining jasmine rice. Pour the remaining cream sauce over the entire dish to moisten and bind everything together. Finally, top with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle the seasoned panko breadcrumbs evenly over the surface to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake to perfection: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes at 375°F. In the last 2-3 minutes of baking, switch the oven to broil and carefully broil the casserole to develop a golden, crispy crust. Keep a close watch to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let it sit briefly before serving.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a rich flavor.
- Frozen broccoli can be used directly without thawing for convenience.
- Greek yogurt adds creaminess with less fat than heavy cream or sour cream.
- Watch carefully during broiling to avoid burning the breadcrumb topping.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
