This Easy Traeger Broccoli Chicken Divan combines a creamy sauce of condensed cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups, chicken broth, half-and-half, a splash of white wine, tender broccoli, and plenty of cheese. Baked on a pellet grill, the wood-fired flavor deepens the dish into a comforting, family-friendly favorite.
Grilled Broccoli Chicken Divan
This simplified Chicken Divan is quick to prepare and bakes beautifully on a pellet grill or in a conventional oven. The sauce, made from condensed soups, half-and-half, chicken broth, and a touch of white wine, coats noodles, tender broccoli, and juicy chicken, then melts under a blanket of cheese for a creamy, satisfying casserole.
What is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole traditionally served with broccoli and a cheesy Mornay-style sauce. This version keeps the comforting elements but streamlines preparation for home cooks, using pantry-ready condensed soups and short-cuts where helpful. Cooking on a pellet grill adds a subtle smoky note that complements the rich sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This rich casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Simple dinner rolls or warm bread brushed with butter are perfect for mopping up sauce. For a full meal, start with a light appetizer or a refreshing cocktail and finish with a warm fruit crisp and vanilla ice cream for a cozy ending.
Easy Chicken Divan without Mayonnaise
Many recipes add mayonnaise for creaminess, but this version uses half-and-half and a bit of sour cream to achieve a silky sauce without mayo. If you prefer a tangier finish, you can increase the sour cream slightly; otherwise the half-and-half keeps the texture smooth and rich.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to adapt this dish to your tastes. Swap or add vegetables—zucchini, cauliflower, or green beans work well. Use whole or 2% milk instead of half-and-half for a lighter dish. Cheeses can be varied too; a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère will all create excellent results. For extra texture, top with crushed crackers or panko crumbs before baking.
Oven or Grill: Your Choice
A pellet grill imparts a gentle wood-fired flavor, but this recipe works equally well in a conventional oven. Simply follow the same temperatures and bake times listed below. If using an oven, place the casserole on the middle rack and watch the top for browning—cover with foil if it gets too dark.
Grilled Broccoli Chicken Divan
This cheesy broccoli chicken divan is simple to assemble, bakes to golden perfection, and is a dependable crowd-pleaser for weeknights or gatherings.
15 minutes
1 hour
1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 2 large chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup white wine (optional)
- 4 cups shredded cheese (blend or single cheese)
- Crushed crackers or panko for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet grill or oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Bring a large salted pot of water to a boil. Cook egg noodles until just under al dente (about half cooked). Drain, rinse under hot water, and set aside.
- Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chicken in oil until no longer pink on the outside. It does not need to be fully cooked through. Reserve any pan juices.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until just tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Whisk together both condensed soups, onion and garlic powder, black pepper, half-and-half, chicken broth, sour cream, and white wine. Stir in any reserved pan juices from the chicken.
- Combine the noodles, chicken, broccoli, sauce, and half of the shredded cheese. Transfer the mixture to a 10×13 oven-safe casserole dish (or enameled cast iron). Lightly grease the dish first.
- Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle crushed crackers or panko on top if you like added crunch.
- Bake at 325–350°F (163–177°C) for 45–60 minutes, until bubbly and the chicken is cooked through. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Let rest a few minutes, then serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount per serving (estimate):
Calories: 548 | Total Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 1241mg | Carbohydrates: 31g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Protein: 30g
Nutrition data is an estimate. For medical dietary needs, consult a trusted nutrition source.