Low-Carb Chicken Divan is one of those cozy meals you crave when the weather turns wonky or you just want something a little comforting but without all the “uh oh, I ate half a loaf of bread” regrets. Maybe you’re trying to keep your carb count in check. Maybe you just want dinner to be easy and filling. Either way, this casserole will totally check those boxes. Trust me, I’ve made it at least a zillion times. Honestly, who has the energy to fuss over a million dishes anyway?
What is the Divan in Chicken Divan?
So, here’s the kicker: the “Divan” part is not just some fancy word someone tacked on for drama. Chicken Divan actually started as a signature dish at a swanky New York spot called the Divan Parisien Restaurant. No kidding! It’s supposed to sound posh but, at the end of the day, it’s really just good old-fashioned, creamy, cheesy comfort. Now that we’ve got history out of the way, let’s keep it real—most things called “Divan” involve chicken, broccoli, and sauce so delicious you’ll wish your fork was bigger.
Story time… the first time I tried Chicken Divan, I was at my aunt’s house in Tennessee. She swore it was her “secret” dish, except half the family already knew about it. That was the day I decided any meal with creamy chicken and broccoli deserves legendary status.
Whats in Chicken Divan?
Alright, let’s get to the heart of things. For a classic Low-Carb Chicken Divan, you basically need chicken (duh), broccoli, a cheese-heavy sauce, and a top layer that bakes up golden and dreamy. The sauce is where the magic happens—think cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, maybe just a sprinkle of garlic powder if you’re feeling wild. Absolutely none of that store-bought soup-can stuff here, promise.
Here’s a weird thing: I used to think you needed fancy ingredients, but basic pantry and fridge staples totally work. Use cooked chicken (leftover rotisserie is my secret weapon) and don’t overthink it. You can mix the sauce all in one bowl if you hate washing dishes, like I obviously do. Then, everything gets dumped in a casserole dish and baked till bubbly.
This dish doesn’t try to be fancy. That’s the charm of a Low-Carb Chicken Divan—fast, easy, and ridiculously satisfying. My kids even eat the broccoli without making weird faces. That says everything. 
How Do You Make Chicken Divan?
Making Low-Carb Chicken Divan might be the easiest part of your day, no lie. You start by prepping or shredding your chicken. I use rotisserie sometimes when the week’s been bonkers. Next, chop your broccoli and microwave it for a couple minutes so it gets that lovely bright green without turning mushy.
In a big bowl, you mix up cream cheese, a splash of sour cream, shredded cheddar, maybe a touch of mayo if you’ve got some hanging out in the fridge. Toss in salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I’ve even sprinkled ranch seasoning before—don’t tell the food snobs. After that, stir in the chicken and broccoli so it’s all coated in cheesiness. Pour the whole mess into a buttered baking dish and add another good handful of cheddar on top. Bake it till bubbly and the top’s kinda brown and crispy.
Boom. That’s it. If you mess it up, nobody will know (unless you burn it—you might have to bribe your family on that one). This is “I had a long day” food. Pure joy.
“Swapped out the chicken for leftover turkey once—unbelievable! The sauce was so rich and bubbly, it was the only way I got my kids to eat broccoli.” —J. Turner
What Should You Serve with Chicken Divan?
Not gonna lie, Low-Carb Chicken Divan is basically a “grab a fork and dig in” meal, but sometimes you need something alongside. Here are my go-tos:
- A simple green salad with crunchy veggies wakes up the plate.
- Cauliflower rice, if you want to keep it low-carb and still soak up that amazing sauce.
- Roasted asparagus—bit fancy but honestly pairs great if you’re feeling like you need something more.
- If there are non-low-carbers at the table, toss ‘em a baguette. They’ll thank you.
Of course, sometimes I just eat it straight from the casserole dish. Don’t judge. It happens.
Variations
You know what’s wild? Low-Carb Chicken Divan is basically a delicious blank canvas. Once you have the base, get creative. I’ve tried swapping chicken for turkey (leftover Thanksgiving magic), or even tossing in shredded pork once when I didn’t plan ahead. You can switch up the cheese too—Swiss, Gruyere, Pepper Jack, whatever’s left in the drawer.
Some days I throw in extra cauliflower to “trick” the kids into eating more veggies; nobody caught on. Hot tip: crumble pork rinds or almond flour mixed with butter for a crispy top. And if you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt plus vegan cheese actually works. Experiment! Cooking should be fun, not fussy.
Sometimes a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce lifts the whole thing up too. Spicy food fan right here, so I could talk about that all day—but I’ll spare you. Promise.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make Low-Carb Chicken Divan ahead of time?
A: Yep! Prep it all and refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Cool it down first, then freeze in a container. Reheats well, but maybe a touch less crispy on top.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: As long as you avoid breadcrumbs with gluten, it’s totally gluten-free.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: You bet. Thaw and drain really well so your sauce doesn’t get watery.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Three days in the fridge, easy. After that, they “mysteriously” disappear in my house.
Let’s Wrap Up: Why Low-Carb Chicken Divan is Always a Winner
If you’re looking for creamy, cheesy comfort without the heavy carb-loading, this casserole is your new friend. It’s one of those recipes you barely need to think about, and it comes out tasting like something from a five-star restaurant every single time. No fancy tricks, just reliable, honest food. If you want more ideas or different version inspiration, check these out: Low-Carb Chicken Divan | The Modern Proper and Low Carb Chicken Divan – Simply Stacie. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be hooked, too. Now, go gather your stuff and whip up a Low-Carb Chicken Divan tonight. You’ll be back for seconds, guaranteed.
Low-Carb Chicken Divan
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Rotisserie chicken works great.
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped Microwave for a couple of minutes to keep it bright green.
Cheese sauce ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Plus more for topping.
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise Optional, add if you have it.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Adjust based on taste.
- to taste salt and pepper
- optional ranch seasoning For extra flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare or shred the cooked chicken.
- Chop the broccoli and microwave it for a couple of minutes.
Making the Sauce
- In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and broccoli until evenly coated.
Baking
- Pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
