There are certain recipes that just scream comfort, and for my family, Skillet Chicken Divan has rocketed to the top of that list. The first time I whipped this up on a busy weeknight, I was a little skeptical. Could a “casserole” type dish truly shine when made entirely in one skillet? The answer was a resounding YES! The aroma alone had everyone drifting into the kitchen, and the sight of that golden, bubbly cheeseBlanketing tender chicken and vibrant broccoli was enough to make mouths water. The kids, who can sometimes be picky about their greens, devoured every last bit of broccoli, happily coated in that luscious, creamy sauce. My partner, a lover of all things hearty and savory, declared it an instant classic. What I loved most, aside from the ecstatic (and quiet!) eaters, was the incredibly easy cleanup. One skillet – that’s it! This recipe has become a go-to, not just for its incredible flavor, but for its sheer simplicity and the way it brings us all together around the table, smiling and satisfied. It’s a hug in a bowl, or rather, a skillet!

Skillet Chicken Divan: The Ultimate Comfort Food, Reimagined

Chicken Divan, a classic American casserole, traditionally features tender chicken and broccoli florets bathed in a rich, creamy Mornay sauce (a Béchamel with cheese) and often topped with buttery breadcrumbs or almonds. While the baked version is undeniably delicious, this Skillet Chicken Divan recipe streamlines the process, bringing all that comforting goodness to your table faster and with fewer dishes, all without sacrificing flavor. We’re talking perfectly cooked chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a velvety, cheesy sauce, all melded together under a golden, bubbly topping, achieved with a quick trip under the broiler if you desire that extra oomph. It’s the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner that feels a little bit special, yet is entirely manageable. This one-pan wonder is about to become your new family favorite, delivering a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Skillet Chicken Divan

To create this masterpiece of comfort, you’ll need a well-rounded selection of fresh and pantry ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible.

For the Chicken & Broccoli:
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (approx. 2-3 large) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Broccoli: 1 large head (about 1 to 1.5 lbs) fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets. You’ll want about 5-6 cups of florets. Frozen can be used in a pinch, but fresh yields the best texture.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin, for sautéing.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste, divided.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste, divided.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (for seasoning chicken).
- Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon (for seasoning chicken).
For the Creamy Divan Sauce:
- Butter: 3 tablespoons, unsalted.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons. This creates the roux that thickens our sauce. For a gluten-free version, use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- Chicken Broth: 1.5 cups, low sodium is preferred so you can control the saltiness.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: ½ cup. Heavy cream will result in a richer sauce, while half-and-half offers a slightly lighter, yet still creamy, alternative. Milk can be used, but the sauce will be less decadent.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1.5 cups (about 6 oz), freshly grated. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend would also be delicious.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (about 2 oz), freshly grated, plus extra for topping. The nutty, salty flavor of Parmesan adds depth.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon. This adds a subtle tang and complexity that elevates the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon. For that umami depth.
- Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon, freshly grated if possible. A classic pairing with cream sauces, it adds a hint of warmth.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): A pinch, for a very mild background heat.
For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):
- Panko Breadcrumbs: ½ cup. Panko breadcrumbs provide a superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted, tossed with the Panko.
- Extra Shredded Cheddar or Parmesan: ¼ cup for sprinkling on top before broiling.

You’ll also need a large, oven-safe skillet, preferably 10-12 inches in diameter. A cast-iron skillet works beautifully for its even heat distribution and retention, and its ability to go from stovetop to broiler.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Skillet Chicken Divan

Follow these instructions carefully to achieve a Skillet Chicken Divan that’s bursting with flavor, with perfectly cooked chicken, tender broccoli, and a luxuriously creamy sauce.

Prepare the Ingredients (Mise en Place):
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels – this helps them sear rather than steam. Season generously with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly. Cut the head into bite-sized florets. If the stems are thick, peel them and slice them; they are delicious too!
- Grate your cheeses if you haven’t already. Measure out all other sauce ingredients. This preparation makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add half the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet if needed, and cook the second batch of chicken. Remove and set aside with the first batch.
Blanch or Steam the Broccoli (Optional but Recommended for Texture):
- While the chicken cooks, or just after, you can lightly cook the broccoli. You have a few options:
  - Skillet Steam: After removing the chicken, add about ¼ cup of water or chicken broth to the hot skillet. Add the broccoli florets, cover, and steam for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender and bright green. Drain any excess liquid and remove broccoli from the skillet, setting it aside.
  - Microwave Steam: Place broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  - Blanching: Bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook for 1-2 minutes. Immediately drain and plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain its vibrant color. Drain well.
- This step ensures the broccoli is perfectly tender without becoming mushy in the sauce. If you prefer softer broccoli or want to save a step, you can add raw broccoli directly to the sauce later, but it will need a few extra minutes to cook.
Make the Creamy Divan Sauce:
- Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium. Add the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (a roux) and smells slightly nutty. Don’t let it brown too much.
- Gradually pour in the 1.5 cups of chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once the broth is incorporated and the mixture is smooth, gradually whisk in the ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking often, until it begins to thicken slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, remaining ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste), remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste), nutmeg, and optional pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Gradually add the 1.5 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Avoid letting the sauce boil after adding the cheese, as it can cause it to separate or become grainy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Combine and Finish on Stovetop:
- Return the cooked chicken and the steamed/blanched broccoli florets to the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir everything together to ensure the chicken and broccoli are well-coated.
- Let it simmer gently on low heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and everything to heat through. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Optional: Broil for a Golden Topping:
- If you’re using the Panko topping and your skillet is oven-safe: Preheat your oven’s broiler to high, with a rack positioned about 6-8 inches from the heating element.
- In a small bowl, toss the ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter until evenly moistened.
- Sprinkle the buttered Panko breadcrumbs evenly over the Skillet Chicken Divan. If desired, sprinkle with the extra ¼ cup of shredded Cheddar or Parmesan cheese.
- Carefully place the skillet under the preheated broiler. Broil for 1-3 minutes, watching very closely as Panko can burn quickly. You’re looking for a golden brown and crispy topping.
- Once golden, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts – the handle will be extremely hot!
Rest and Serve:
- Let the Skillet Chicken Divan rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly more and the flavors to settle.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutritional Snapshot: What’s in a Serving?

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is important for many. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient choices, brands, and precise portion sizes.

Servings: This recipe typically yields 6 generous servings.
Calories per Serving (Approximate): Around 550-650 calories.

Breakdown (Estimated per serving):

Protein: 40-50g (primarily from chicken and cheese)
Fat: 35-45g (from chicken, cheese, butter, cream, olive oil)
- Saturated Fat: 18-25g
Carbohydrates: 15-20g (from flour, broccoli, breadcrumbs)
- Fiber: 2-4g (primarily from broccoli)
- Sugar: 2-4g
Sodium: 800-1000mg (can be significantly reduced by using low-sodium broth, unsalted butter, and adjusting added salt)

Considerations for a Lighter Version:

Use chicken breast exclusively.
Opt for half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream (sauce will be less rich).
Reduce the amount of cheese slightly or use lower-fat cheese varieties.
Use less butter for the Panko topping or omit it.
Increase the amount of broccoli to add more fiber and nutrients.

This Skillet Chicken Divan is a satisfying and relatively balanced meal, offering a good source of protein and vegetables. Enjoy it as part of a varied diet.

Time Commitment: From Prep to Plate

One of the beauties of this skillet version is its efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of the time you can expect to spend:

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
- This includes cubing the chicken, chopping the broccoli, grating the cheese (if not using pre-shredded), and measuring out other ingredients. Efficient multi-tasking (e.g., prepping veggies while chicken cooks) can reduce this.
Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
- Searing chicken (in batches): 8-10 minutes
- Steaming broccoli (optional): 2-3 minutes
- Making the sauce: 8-10 minutes
- Combining and simmering: 3-5 minutes
- Broiling (optional): 1-3 minutes
Resting Time: 5-10 minutes (essential for flavors to meld and sauce to set)
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and 5 minutes

This makes Skillet Chicken Divan a fantastic option for a satisfying weeknight meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. If you prep your ingredients ahead of time (e.g., chop veggies and chicken the night before or in the morning), you can get this on the table even faster.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Skillet Chicken Divan

Skillet Chicken Divan is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can turn it into an even more complete and delightful meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

Over Grains:
- Fluffy White Rice: The classic pairing. The rice soaks up the delicious creamy sauce beautifully. Jasmine or Basmati rice work particularly well.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa: For a healthier, fiber-rich option with a nuttier flavor.
- Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles provide a comforting, traditional casserole feel and are excellent for holding onto the sauce.
- Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb alternative that still allows you to enjoy the saucy goodness.
With Bread:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty French baguette or sourdough is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Elevate the experience with homemade or store-bought garlic bread, adding another layer of savory flavor.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are always a welcome addition.
Light Salads:
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Chicken Divan. Think mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
- Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula with a lemon vinaigrette can cut through the creaminess nicely.
Roasted Vegetables (if you want even more veggies!):
- While broccoli is in the dish, a side of simple roasted asparagus or green beans can complement it well.
Garnishes:
- Fresh Parsley or Chives: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a touch of color and freshness right before serving.
- Extra Grated Parmesan: A little more Parmesan on top never hurts!
- A Dash of Paprika: For color and a hint of smoky flavor.

When plating, you can serve the Chicken Divan directly from the skillet (with a trivet on the table, of course!) for a rustic, family-style meal, or portion it individually over your chosen base.

Additional Tips for Skillet Chicken Divan Perfection

To ensure your Skillet Chicken Divan is the best it can be, every single time, consider these five pro tips:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Searing Chicken: This is crucial for developing that beautiful golden-brown crust on your chicken. Searing in batches ensures the pan temperature stays high, allowing the Maillard reaction (which creates flavor and color) to occur. If you overcrowd, the chicken will steam and become pale and less flavorful.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains cellulose or other anti-caking agents. These can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly, sometimes resulting in a slightly grainy or clumpy sauce. Grating your own cheese from a block takes a few extra minutes but makes a noticeable difference in the texture and meltability of your sauce.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning at Multiple Stages: Flavor building is key. Season the chicken before cooking. After making the sauce base (before adding cheese), taste it. Then, after adding the cheese, taste again. Finally, after combining everything, give it one last taste. Salt, pepper, a tiny bit more Dijon, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can make all the difference. Remember, cheese adds saltiness, so be mindful.
Control Broccoli’s Texture: For broccoli that’s perfectly crisp-tender and not mushy, briefly steam or blanch it separately before adding it to the sauce. This gives you more control over its doneness. If you add raw broccoli directly to the sauce, it will take longer to cook and can sometimes overcook the chicken or make the sauce watery if it releases too much moisture.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the Skillet Chicken Divan to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking (and especially after broiling) is important. This short period allows the molten cheese and sauce to set up slightly, preventing it from being too runny when served. It also allows the flavors to meld together more cohesively, and the dish will be at a more palatable temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Skillet Chicken Divan

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making Skillet Chicken Divan:

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
- A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. However, it’s best to thaw them and pat them very dry with paper towels before adding them to the skillet. Frozen broccoli releases more water than fresh, which can thin out your sauce. You might want to add them directly to the sauce towards the end of its simmering time, just long enough to heat through, to avoid them becoming mushy. You may not need the separate steaming step.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- A: To make Skillet Chicken Divan gluten-free, you’ll need to make two main substitutions:
  - Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour in the roux with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that includes xanthan gum, or add a pinch if it doesn’t). Cornstarch (use about half the amount, mixed with a little cold broth to make a slurry) can also be used as a thickener, but the sauce texture will be slightly different.
  - Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs or crush gluten-free crackers for the topping. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free, as some brands contain malt vinegar.
Q: Can I make Skillet Chicken Divan ahead of time?
- A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can do some prep ahead. You can cook the chicken and steam the broccoli a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. You can also make the sauce (without adding chicken/broccoli) and store it. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, then add the cooked chicken and broccoli. Assemble and broil just before serving. If fully assembled, it can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, but the broccoli may soften further upon reheating, and the sauce might need a little broth or cream to loosen it.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- A: Store any leftover Skillet Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave. If reheating a larger amount, you can also place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. The Panko topping will lose its crispness but will still be tasty.
Q: What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
- A: Skillet Chicken Divan is wonderfully versatile!
  - Different Protein: Try it with leftover cooked turkey (perfect for after holidays!), cooked shrimp (add at the very end), or even a firm white fish.
  - Vary the Veggies: Asparagus spears, peas, cauliflower florets, or sautéed mushrooms would all be delicious additions or substitutions for broccoli.
  - Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère for nuttiness, Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, or a smoked Gouda for a smoky twist.
  - Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for more heat, or incorporate smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
  - Herbaceous Notes: Stir in some fresh thyme or tarragon into the sauce for an aromatic lift.
  - Topping Alternatives: Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with butter, or even just extra cheese, can be used for the topping if Panko isn’t available. Sliced almonds also add a nice crunch.

Skillet Chicken Divan Recipe