Campbell’s Chicken Divan With Rice Recipe: Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Over Fluffy Grains

This classic casserole combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh broccoli over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying one-dish meal. The recipe has been a family favorite for generations, offering comfort in every bite.

Using a simple combination of canned soup, mayonnaise, and curry powder creates the signature creamy sauce that ties everything together. The broccoli adds a vibrant color and slight crunch, balancing the dish perfectly.

The rice serves as the ideal base, soaking up the rich sauce while maintaining its light texture. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but requires minimal effort to prepare.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to bring a taste of nostalgia to the dinner table. This dish delivers on both flavor and simplicity.

Ingredients for Campbell’s Chicken Divan with Rice

Fluffy rice, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli come together for a nostalgic one-dish wonder.

The chicken is the star—boneless, skinless breasts stay juicy and cook evenly. Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup is the classic choice here (any grocery store carries it). For the rice, long grain white gives you that fluffy texture it needs to soak up the sauce. I grab my chicken from Costco for bulk savings, but any supermarket will do. Look for bright green broccoli with tight florets—avoid the woody stems.

Swapping the soup? Cream of mushroom works too (same can size). No mayo? Greek yogurt at a 1:1 ratio gives similar creaminess. Curry powder not your thing? Half a teaspoon each of turmeric and cumin gets you close. Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen works in a pinch—just thaw and drain it well first. The cheddar can be swapped for Monterey Jack if that’s what you’ve got.

Assemble and bake day-of for best texture. Leftovers keep 3-4 days in the fridge—reheat covered with foil. Freezes beautifully for 2-3 months (thaw overnight before reheating). The sauce thickens as it cools, so a splash of milk when reheating brings it back to life.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Campbell’s Chicken Divan With Rice

Here’s the method. Straightforward, tested, works every time.

Step 1: Cook the Rice and Prep the Chicken

Rinse the 1.5 cups long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Cook the rice according to package instructions, but use 3 cups of water for perfectly fluffy grains.

While the rice cooks, cut the 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. This ensures every piece is well-seasoned before cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Broccoli

In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the 3 cups fresh broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender-crisp. This preserves their vibrant color and texture.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. In a bowl, whisk together 1 can cream of chicken soup, 0.5 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp curry powder, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the broccoli and stir to combine.

Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to bubble and thicken slightly. The curry powder adds a subtle warmth, while the lemon juice brightens the rich, creamy base. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Fold the cooked chicken and rice into the sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out in an even layer. Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots. This step melts the cheese into a gooey, irresistible topping.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. The result is a creamy, comforting dish with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and perfectly cooked broccoli—all under a blanket of melted cheddar.

Dietary Considerations for This Recipe

Gluten-Free Adaptations

This dish is naturally gluten-free if you verify a few key ingredients. Use certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup—Campbell’s labels their GF versions clearly. Also check your curry powder and chicken broth for hidden gluten. 💪

Dairy-Free Options

Swap mayonnaise for vegan mayo like Hellmann’s Vegan. Use dairy-free cheddar shreds—Violife or Daiya melt well. For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tbsp coconut milk into the sauce.

Lower-Calorie Version

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo and low-fat cheddar. Reduce butter to 1 tbsp and add 1 cup cauliflower rice to the baking dish. These swaps cut calories while keeping the dish satisfying.

Keto Modifications

Replace rice with 2 cups riced cauliflower and reduce broccoli to 2 cups. Use full-fat mayo and sharp cheddar. The sauce remains rich, and the dish stays under 10g net carbs per serving. ✨

Sodium Considerations

Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and no-salt-added butter. Skip added salt and boost flavor with extra lemon juice or fresh herbs. This reduces sodium by about 40% without sacrificing taste.

Frequently Asked Questions