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This single serving Chicken Divan is a classic chicken and broccoli casserole made from scratch with a creamy homemade sauce, melted cheese, and a crisp breadcrumb topping. It’s rich, comforting, and perfectly portioned for one, giving you all the flavor of the traditional dish without any leftovers.
Featured Comment
“Excellent recipe. I made this last night…so easy, fast, and delicious…”
– Psadie
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Single Serving Chicken Divan: A classic chicken and broccoli casserole scaled down for one, no leftovers required.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal homemade meal any night of the week.
- Creamy Chicken Casserole: Tender chicken and fresh broccoli baked in a rich, cheesy sauce without canned soup.
- Comfort Food Favorite: A warm, satisfying dish with bold flavor in every bite.
Originally created at New York City’s Divan Parisien Restaurant, this dish has stood the test of time for good reason.
I love making this single serving version because it keeps all the classic flavors I enjoy – tender chicken, crisp broccoli, a creamy sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping, in a portion that’s just right for one.
Enjoy with a side that compliments its rich, creamy flavors. Try it over a single serving of white rice or baked brown rice for a classic pairing, or with a small loaf of French bread for a simple, hearty option. On the lighter side, a crisp green salad with homemade vinaigrette adds freshness.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch Chicken Divan recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Chicken: Use one 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1/4-inch strips. Boneless, skinless thighs or about 1 cup of cooked chicken also work. If using cooked chicken, skip Step 3.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen both work. If using frozen, thaw and drain first. Leftover broccoli can be used in broccoli salad for one, cashew chicken for one, or beef and broccoli for one.
- Sauce: Made with low-sodium chicken broth, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and heavy cream instead of canned soup. If using regular broth, adjust the salt. Taste before adding more seasoning.
- Seasonings: A blend of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary). If you don’t have the mix, use one or two of the herbs.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor. For the best melt, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How To Make Chicken Divan
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Chicken Divan for one person. See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full details.
Before You Begin: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 5×5-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: Add a little more olive oil to the pan. Cook onions for about 2 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring often.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and Italian seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked chicken, half the cheese, and broccoli to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Prepare the Dish: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, remaining cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Place dish on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, until topping is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Expert Tips
- Prep First: Read the recipe and ingredient notes before starting. Having everything ready makes cooking easier.
- Save Time: Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips instead of raw chicken.
- Boost Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or curry powder to the sauce for extra depth.
- Cheese Options: Try Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a different flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just skip the step for cooking raw chicken.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in either two 5×5-inch baking dishes or one 6×8-inch baking dish.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve made this single serve Chicken Divan or any recipe from One Dish Kitchen, let me know what you think! Rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Chicken Divan For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil -divided
- 1 (4 to 5 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into ¼-inch strips
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅔ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese -divided
- 3 tablespoons Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter -melted
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 5×5-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add ½ tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Cook onions for about 2 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring often.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and Italian seasoning.
- Add cooked chicken, half the cheese, and broccoli to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, remaining cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Place dish on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until topping is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Prep First: Read the recipe and ingredient notes before starting. Having everything ready makes cooking easier.
- Save Time: Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips instead of raw chicken.
- Boost Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or curry powder to the sauce for extra depth.
- Cheese Options: Try Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a different flavor.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
My M-in-L made this in the 50’s, I’d never had it before. It was delicious, but this recipe is even better! N
I’m thrilled to hear that my Chicken Divan recipe even surpassed the one your mother-in-law made in the ’50s. It’s wonderful to bring a fresh twist to a classic dish. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Hi! As a single guy, I love your site. It’s so hard to find easy and tasty recipies that I don’t have to eat all week!
I havent tried to make it yet which is why I’m posting this. I’m trying to cut back on fats, and was wondering if you ever tried using Greek yogurt instead of the heavy and sour cream. Does it make enough of an impct to be worth doing?
Yes, full fat Greek yogurt will work instead of the sour cream in many of our recipes. As for heavy cream substitutions, in this Chicken Divan recipe and in similar recipes, the heavy cream also acts as a thickener. Whole milk or half and half can be used as substitutions but will affect the thickness (and richness of the sauce).
I love Chicken Divan, it reminds me of home and comfort. But it’s not Divan without the Curry powder! A little or a lot, I love it either way.
I’m so glad to hear that Chicken Divan brings back those comforting vibes for you! Curry powder is definitely a classic addition for some, and I totally get why you’d love it. In our version, we opted not to include curry powder to offer a different take, but that’s the beauty of cooking—you can make it your own! Feel free to add as much or as little curry powder as you like to suit your taste. Thanks for your feedback.
Delicious but I cooked the broccoli a little longer because I prefer it softer
Made this last night for dinner. I doubled it for the two of us. I didn’t have panko but had Italian bread crumbs. Also used leftover rotisserie chicken. Nice sized servings so we had a small amount left. This was really good and my husband liked it too. I will definitely make it again.
Perfect recipe! May i freeze it after it is baked? Thank you so much!
Yes. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
I made this today, it was good. Thanks for posting this recipe.
I am happy to try all your recipes. Even though they are supposedly to be for one person, this serving feeds us two seniors. Thank you so much!
You are most welcome! I’m so happy you are enjoying our recipes.
Love everything you do.. ? Can you prep this dish and freeze for a later date.. thanks
Thank you! Yes, you can prep the dish and freeze it to bake later. To freeze Chicken Divan, make and assemble the casserole according to the recipe instructions up to the point of baking. You can either add the panko/cheese topping if you want the casserole completely assembled OR for a crispier panko topping, add it right before baking. Make sure the Chicken Divan sauce has cooled completely and then wrap the casserole securely with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw Chicken Divan in the refrigerator for 24 hours and then bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Terrific recipe.
Thank you!