Chicken Divan is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This classic casserole has stood the test of time for good reason—it’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
What is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is basically a chicken casserole usually served with broccoli (chicken broccoli divan), Mornay sauce, and almonds. This dish was named divan chicken after the place of its invention, the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in the New York City Chatham Hotel in the early twentieth century where it was first served as the signature dish.
In French, the word divan means a great hall or a meeting place, and thus the name was chosen to imply a kind of continental elegance.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Divan
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh broccoli florets for a crisp-tender texture. Frozen broccoli works in a pinch but may release more water.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of the sauce. For a velvety texture, shred your own.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Parboil or steam it until slightly tender but still vibrant green. It will cook further in the oven.
- Layer Strategically: Place the chicken on the bottom and broccoli on top for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
Variations to Try
Chicken Divan is endlessly customizable! Here are some ideas:
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the breadcrumbs and use cauliflower in place of broccoli.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and breadcrumbs.
- Protein Swaps: Try turkey, ham, or even shrimp for a creative twist.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
How to Serve Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan is a one-dish wonder, but you can elevate your meal with some complementary sides:
- Starches: Serve over white rice, brown rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
- Bread: Pair with a crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.
- Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Divan
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Chicken Divan freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
2. Can I use canned chicken or frozen chicken?
Yes, canned chicken or frozen, pre-cooked chicken can be used as a time-saver. Just ensure it’s well-drained or thawed.
3. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. Simply whisk until thickened and season to taste.
4. How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Blanch the broccoli and pat it dry. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain thoroughly. Avoid overloading the sauce with liquid ingredients.
5. Can I make a lighter version of Chicken Divan?
Sure! Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream, and opt for reduced-fat cheese and soup.
Chicken Divan Recipe
Chicken Divan is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This classic casserole has stood the test of time for good reason—it’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (about 1 pound)
- 1 (20-ounce) frozen broccoli florets
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cream sherry
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Coarsely chopped fresh parsley, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle of the oven.
- In a large saucepan boil water and add broccoli and cook for 3 minutes until al dente.
- In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, for 1 minute stirring constantly. Add the milk and broth and whisk until and the mixture is smooth and the flour is completely dissolved, bring to a simmer, whisking frequently about 2 minutes until thickened to the consistency of gravy.
- Remove from the heat, add 1 cup of the cheese and whisk until completely melted. Stir in the salt and sherry. Taste and season with more pepper and salt.
- Take a 9x13-inch baking dish a combine the broccoli and chicken. Evenly pour the cheese sauce over it. Sprinkle with panko and the remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake for about 30 minutes until bubbling around the edges.
- Increase the heat and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until browned in spots.
- Let cool 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
4Amount Per Serving Calories 950Total Fat 69gSaturated Fat 36gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 253mgSodium 1194mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 58g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Divan is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness, delivering a hearty and wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this dish never fails to impress. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day.
