Chicken Divan is one of those classic comfort-food casseroles that never really goes out of style. Tender chicken, broccoli, creamy sauce, and a golden topping. What’s not to love? I wanted to make a lighter, gluten-free and dairy-free version without giving up everything that makes the original so good.
The secret is a homemade sauce made with almond milk, coconut milk, garlic, and a few simple seasonings. It’s creamy and flavorful without relying on canned soup, cheese, or heavy cream. A little gluten-free breadcrumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch.
And because I don’t think comfort food should require an entire evening in the kitchen, this Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake keeps things simple. Everything goes into one baking dish, and the oven does the rest. That’s my kind of dinner!
Colleen’s Kitchen
The Pampered Chef tools I used to make this recipe easier.
Mix ‘N Scraper
A spoon and scraper in one.
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8″ Chef’s Knife
Chopping made easy.
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Cutting Board
Prep without the mess.
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Garlic Press
Fresh garlic in seconds.
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Disclosure: I may earn a commission when you purchase through my Pampered Chef links.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy without the dairy. Almond milk, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast create a flavorful sauce without cheese or heavy cream.
- One-dish convenience. The chicken and vegetables bake together without precooking.
- Colorful and satisfying. Broccoli and red bell pepper add freshness and texture to every serving.
- Easy to prepare ahead. Cut the vegetables and chicken and prepare the sauce earlier in the day.
- Simple enough for a weeknight. Just a little prep, one baking dish, and dinner is on its way.
Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 5 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Dairy-Free Sauce
- ¾ cup unsweetened plain almond milk
- ½ cup full-fat canned coconut milk stirred well
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves pressed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch
Golden Breadcrumb Topping
- ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400˚F.
- Place the chicken, broccoli, and red bell pepperin the Square Baker. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and season with ¼teaspoon salt and the black pepper. Toss to combine.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond milk, coconut milk, chickenbroth, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, onion powder,paprika, thyme, arrowroot starch, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt until smooth.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Gently toss tocoat.
- In a small bowl, combine the gluten-free breadcrumbs, remainingtablespoon of nutritional yeast, and teaspoon of olive oil. Sprinkle evenlyover the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches aninternal temperature of 165°F, the broccoli is tender, and the sauce isbubbling. Check the temperature in several of the thickest chicken pieces, and continuebaking if needed.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightlyas it rests.
Notes
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Tips
This recipe is designed to be both gluten-free and dairy-free, but it’s always worth checking the labels on packaged ingredients.
Choose certified gluten-free breadcrumbs when necessary, and check the Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and nutritional yeast for ingredients or allergen warnings. Make sure the almond milk is plain and unsweetened—not vanilla flavored!
The coconut milk adds richness to the sauce, while nutritional yeast contributes a savory flavor without dairy.
Making Dinner Easier Is Just the Beginning
I love recipes that make everyday cooking feel a little less complicated. And that same thinking is exactly what goes into my Complete Dinner Party Plans.
When you’re ready to invite friends or family over, there’s no reason to start planning from scratch. My plans bring together the menu, recipes, prep timeline, welcome cocktail, table inspiration, take-home gift, and hosting ideas so you can enjoy the evening instead of spending it in the kitchen.
✨ Shop my Complete Dinner Party Plans and make your next gathering a little easier.
Because great food brings people to the table. Meaningful moments keep them there.
Save me a bite,
Colleen 🥂
Looking for another easy dinner that doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes? My Oven-Baked Chicken, Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya is another flavorful option for a busy night.
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