Turkey Divan Casserole – Easy, Creamy, Family Favorite

Turkey Divan is the answer to the age-old question: “What on earth am I going to do with all this leftover turkey?” Whether it’s post-Thanksgiving or you just cooked a bird because it was on sale, Turkey Divan swoops in like a cheesy casserole hero.

Midweek dinner madness? Solved. It’s packed with juicy turkey, fresh broccoli, and a dreamy cheese sauce that’s rich without being ridiculous. Oh, and the crunchy panko topping? That golden crust is reason enough to sneak seconds. The best part? You can whip it together with stuff you probably already have hanging out in your fridge and pantry. It’s cozy, satisfying, and totally family-approved—even for those who “don’t like leftovers.” This is your go-to if you want comfort food with minimal effort and major payoff. Turkey Divan isn’t just a recipe—it’s a leftover redemption story.

Table of Contents

What is Turkey Divan?

Turkey Divan is an old-school American casserole that originally came to life at the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City back in the early 1900s. Traditionally made with poached chicken or turkey and broccoli, it’s all about layering tender meat and veggies under a creamy, cheesy béchamel sauce. It’s then baked to bubbly perfection and usually served over rice. Fast-forward a hundred years and home cooks (especially tired parents) have embraced it as the ultimate “clean out the fridge” dish.

It’s like comfort food got a glow-up—with broccoli pretending to be the healthy bit. Today’s versions, like the one we’re making, lean into easy ingredients (hello, leftover turkey and cheddar cheese) while keeping all the flavor and nostalgia intact. You won’t need any fancy ingredients or culinary degrees to pull it off—just a baking dish, a whisk, and an appetite.

Reasons to Try Turkey Divan

Let’s be honest—leftover turkey can feel like a punishment. But Turkey Divan turns that fridge burden into something you’ll actually crave. First, it’s practical. You’re tossing together turkey, broccoli, and pantry staples to make a dinner that feeds a crowd (or just you and your freezer stash). Second, it tastes like a big warm hug. That cheese sauce is the real MVP—smooth, flavorful, and comforting without being heavy. Plus, the toasted panko topping brings a bit of crunch that makes every bite satisfying. Another big reason? Even picky eaters will devour this.

It’s the kind of meal where kids won’t even notice the broccoli (or at least won’t complain as loudly). And if you’re juggling work, laundry, and just trying to keep it all together, this recipe’s 45-minute timeline is a win. Turkey Divan isn’t fussy—it’s forgiving, flexible, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients Needed to Make Turkey Divan

• 1.5 pounds leftover turkey, chopped or shredded
• 1 pound fresh broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for sauce
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons butter (for topping)
• 1 cup panko crumbs
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions to Make Turkey Divan

Making Turkey Divan is easier than it looks. This step by step guide walks you through everything from prepping your veggies to pulling that bubbling casserole from the oven. If you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just juggling a million things at once, don’t worry—this is a stress-free, straightforward process that comes together fast.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 baking dish (or similar size) and spray it with non-stick cooking spray or lightly butter it. This prevents any cheesy goodness from sticking to the sides and makes cleanup way easier.

Step 2: Steam the Broccoli Just Right

In a large saucepan, bring ½ cup of water to a light simmer over medium heat. Add your fresh broccoli florets, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, then cover the pan with a lid.

Let the broccoli steam for just a few minutes. You’re looking for a bright green color and a bit of crunch—think tender, not mushy. This keeps the texture perfect for baking and adds a pop of color. Drain any remaining water and transfer the steamed broccoli into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

Tip: Using frozen broccoli? Be sure to thaw and pat it dry first to avoid a watery casserole. For more veggie tips, check out our Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole—it’s another family-friendly dinner favorite.

Step 3: Layer the Turkey

Next, take your cooked and shredded or chopped turkey—about 1.5 pounds—and evenly distribute it over the broccoli. This creates the hearty base of your Turkey Divan. It’s fine to mix white and dark meat, but make sure the pieces are bite-sized for easy serving.

Don’t have turkey? Leftover chicken works great too. We’ve even used rotisserie chicken in a pinch—get creative with what’s already in your fridge.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In the same saucepan (waste not, wash not), melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, whisk in ⅓ cup flour. This will form a paste, also known as a roux, which thickens the sauce.

Cook the roux for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to cook out the flour taste. Then slowly pour in 1.5 cups turkey broth and 2 cups whole milk, whisking as you go to prevent lumps. The key here is patience—go slow and keep whisking for a smooth sauce.

Now stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and ½ cup sour cream. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently for about 8–10 minutes until it thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Remove the pan from heat and stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything melts into silky, cheesy perfection.

Want to level up your sauce game? Our Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese shares more tricks for creating that ultra-smooth melt.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the turkey and broccoli mixture in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out so that every corner gets some love. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese right over the top. This gives you that irresistibly melty cheese crust.

Step 6: Toast the Panko Topping

In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs and stir frequently until they turn golden brown. This step adds serious crunch on top—don’t skip it!

Once toasted, sprinkle the panko evenly over the casserole. This crunchy layer takes the dish from good to great.

Panko not your style? You can sub in crushed Ritz crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs. We share more topping ideas in our Easy Hobo Casserole Recipe.

Step 7: Bake It Until Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes to get the top beautifully golden and the casserole hot all the way through.

If you like an extra crispy topping (who doesn’t?), switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Just don’t walk away—broiling goes from “golden brown” to “oops, burnt” in seconds.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up so it slices neatly.

Serve your Turkey Divan over a scoop of fluffy white rice or even buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug—no side dishes required.

What to Serve with Turkey Divan

Turkey Divan is practically a one-pan wonder, but if you’re aiming for a full plate, it plays nicely with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad adds freshness and crunch, and a slice of garlic bread wouldn’t hurt either—perfect for scooping up that cheesy sauce. Want to lean into the comfort vibes? Try it with Southern sweet potato casserole for a sweet-savory mashup.

If you’re going low-carb or gluten-free, skip the rice and serve it alongside cauliflower mash or roasted Brussels sprouts. And don’t overlook a glass of chilled white wine (or a strong sweet tea) to round out the meal. It’s hearty enough on its own, but when you add a couple of thoughtful sides, dinner feels extra special—even if it’s just a regular Tuesday.

Key Tips for Making Turkey Divan

Use fresh broccoli. Frozen tends to go limp and watery—nobody wants that. Grate your own cheese. Bagged shreds don’t melt the same because of their anti-caking coating. Don’t skip the sour cream—it adds that tangy richness that makes the sauce pop. If your sauce looks thin, simmer it a little longer until it coats the back of a spoon. Taste as you go. The sauce is your flavor base, so season it to your liking before pouring it on. Making this ahead? Assemble everything but the panko topping. Toast and add it right before baking to keep that crunch intact.

This recipe also works great with chicken—so if you’ve got rotisserie leftovers, sub it in! And for those short on time, consider using store-bought cheese sauce in a pinch (no judgment—we’ve all been there).

Storage and Reheating Tips for Turkey Divan

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Turkey Divan keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Store it in an airtight container or just wrap the whole casserole dish in foil if you’re keeping it simple. For reheating, the oven works best—350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly. If you’re in a rush, the microwave is fine, but the topping won’t be as crispy. To revive the crunch, pop a portion under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Freezing? Totally doable. Assemble the casserole (without the panko), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, top with toasted panko, and bake as directed. This dish actually tastes better the next day, once the flavors have had a chance to settle in. It’s like leftovers squared—in the best way possible.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
You can, but it may release extra water. Steam it first and pat it dry.

Is this gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Just wait to add the panko until right before baking.

Do I need to serve it with rice?
Nope. It’s also great with noodles or mashed potatoes—or on its own.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Divan turns leftovers into the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together—even if your laundry pile says otherwise. It’s hearty, creamy, crunchy, and cozy, all in one dish. Best of all, it’s flexible enough to fit your fridge situation and fast enough for busy weeknights. This is the kind of meal that makes second helpings almost mandatory. If you loved this, you’ll probably enjoy other comfort classics like Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole or our Easy Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie. So, go ahead—embrace those turkey leftovers and turn them into something the whole table will love. Turkey Divan isn’t just dinner. It’s a comeback story.

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