5 from 33 votes

My Keto Chicken Divan Casserole is rich and creamy with broccoli, cheddar, and a hint of curry. It is the ultimate comfort food. Serve it on its own or with a garden salad for an easy main course perfect for a low carb diet.

chicken divan in a bowl with fork from above

This isn’t a new casserole for us. This is probably one of the first casseroles I ever made. My husband had a fear of casseroles, thinking they all contained peas. He is not a pea fan. This is the casserole that healed him of his fear. Like most casseroles, it is creamy and cheesy but it is unique in its use of curry powder. That is the flavor that really makes this dish special.

Traditionally Chicken Divan also uses almonds (or did when it was invented in the 1950s in NYC) but I don’t think they are necessary for a great casserole and omit them. It’s been on my to-do list since I started blogging so I’m thrilled to finally share it! This easy chicken divan curry casserole recipe is low carb, keto, gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, and Trim Healthy Mama friendly with 6.5 net carbs per serving.

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Ingredients

Cooked chicken – This is a great recipe to use up leftover cooked chicken in. Cubed chicken, shredded chicken, or rotisserie chicken all work well.

Fresh broccoli florets – I prefer to use fresh steamed broccoli but in a pinch, you can use the bags of frozen broccoli that steam in the microwave. Just thaw and drain well.

Dried minced onion – This gives a nice flavor without being overpowering. You can also use onion powder.

Curry powder – The star of this dish. There are many curry blends out there so choose one you enjoy.

Garlic powder – Garlic enhances the other flavors of the dish.

Salt & pepper – Salt and black pepper also work as flavor enhancers.

Sour cream – Sour cream makes this casserole creamy with a slight tang.

Mayo – Mayonaisse gives a rich and creamy flavor to the chicken divan sauce.

Shredded cheddar cheese – Shredded cheese works well in casseroles since it melts and incorporates easily.

chicken divan seasoning and marinade in large mixing bowl before being combined

How to Make Keto Chicken Divan Casserole

To make this low carb chicken divan recipe you mix together the sauce ingredients, toss in the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli, transfer to a casserole dish, and top with cheddar cheese. Pop it in the oven and dinner is served!

Step One: Mix together the minced onion, curry powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, sour cream, and mayo for the sauce.

mixing bowl and wooden spoon of chicken divan marinade

Step Two: Fold in the chicken, broccoli, and 3/4 of the cheese. Reserve the rest of the cheese for the top of the casserole.

mixing bowl of chicken pieces and broccoli mixed into marinade by wooden spoon

Step Three: Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.

chicken divan casserole before baking surrounded by ingredients and kitchen utensils

Step Four: Bake until hot, bubbly, and golden brown.

keto chicken divan casserole with wooden spoon from above

Variations

Vegetables – Sub in another veggie instead of, or in addition to, the broccoli.

Skillet – To make this a skillet meal heat the sauce in a large skillet over low to medium heat and add the other ingredients. Cover and heat in the skillet over medium heat until hot.

Crockpot – Add all the ingredients in the keto chicken divan recipe to a slow cooker and heat on low for 1-2 hours until hot.

Vegetarian – For a vegetarian main dish or hearty side dish just replace the chicken with additional vegetables.

More sauce – For a saucier casserole mix 1/2 cup of heavy cream into the sauce mixture. Alternatively, you can add chicken broth instead of heavy whipping cream to lighten this up.

Common Questions

What is Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is a casserole with chicken and Mornay sauce. Mornay sauce is a traditional sauce made from butter, flour, and milk with gruyere cheese added. To make a low carb version I simply use mayo, sour cream, and cheddar. This version may not be traditional but it is delicious. Most low carb white sauces use a combination of butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream. If you’d prefer to make one of those instead of using my quick sour cream and mayo combo you are welcome to.

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes, feel free to prep the chicken divan curry casserole recipe the day before or the morning of and then bake it right before serving. I’ve also made similar casseroles in the crock pot by cooking the chicken, cutting it up and draining the liquid and then adding it back with the rest of the ingredients. On days you don’t want to turn on the oven this is a great method to use!

What is Curry Powder

Curry powder is a blend of spices used most commonly in Indian curries. They are not necessarily spicy. Many are mild and flavorful. Most curry powder recipes include cumin, fenugreek, coriander, turmeric, and chili peppers in their blends. (Source: Wikipedia)

If you aren’t a fan of curry you should try my Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole instead. That one uses dill, onion, and garlic for a ranch flavor and has the delicious addition of bacon.

What to serve with Chicken Divan Casserole

This low carb gluten free casserole is so filling that sometimes we eat it on its own, especially as leftovers for lunch. For dinner, I might pair it with a green salad or mashed cauliflower.

Other options would be serving it with additional vegetables, low carb biscuits, over cauliflower rice, or a soup course before the casserole.

chicken divan in a bowl next to a handful of forks on a cloth napkin from above

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