Chicken Divan, a creamy, comforting casserole, is about to become your new weeknight favorite! Imagine tender chicken nestled in a blanket of broccoli, all smothered in a luscious, cheesy sauce. Sounds divine, right? This classic dish is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
While its exact origins are debated, Chicken Divan is widely believed to have originated in the Divan Parisienne Restaurant at the Chatham Hotel in New York City in the early 20th century. Legend has it that the hotel’s chef created the dish, and it quickly became a signature offering, gracing the tables of socialites and food enthusiasts alike. Its popularity soared in the mid-century, becoming a staple in home kitchens across America.
What makes Chicken Divan so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce, often made with mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese, is rich and satisfying. The broccoli provides a welcome bite, while the chicken adds a hearty protein element. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with different cheeses, vegetables, or even add a crunchy topping for extra texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or a comforting dish to share with friends and family, Chicken Divan is always a winning choice.
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)
Preparing the Chicken:
Okay, let’s start with the chicken. This is the foundation of our delicious Chicken Divan, so we want to make sure it’s cooked perfectly. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re easy to work with and cook evenly, but you could also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Season the chicken: First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Then, season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really makes a difference! I like to use about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook the chicken in batches. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s nicely browned. The goal here is to get a good sear, not to cook the chicken all the way through.
- Finish cooking the chicken: Once the chicken is seared, transfer it to a baking dish. You can use the same skillet if it’s oven-safe, or transfer the chicken to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
- Shred or cube the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, shred it with two forks or cut it into bite-sized cubes. I personally prefer shredding because it distributes the chicken more evenly throughout the dish. Set the chicken aside while we prepare the sauce and broccoli.
Preparing the Sauce:
Now, let’s move on to the creamy, dreamy sauce that makes Chicken Divan so irresistible. This sauce is super easy to make and adds a ton of flavor. The combination of cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices is just perfect!
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, curry powder, and garlic powder. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps. The lemon juice adds a nice tanginess that balances out the richness of the other ingredients.
- Taste and adjust: Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or curry powder, depending on your preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Preparing the Broccoli:
The broccoli is an essential part of Chicken Divan, adding a healthy dose of vegetables and a nice textural contrast to the creamy sauce and tender chicken. I like to use frozen broccoli florets because they’re convenient and readily available, but you can also use fresh broccoli if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it until it’s tender-crisp.
- Thaw the broccoli: If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the dish. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, or you can microwave it for a few minutes until it’s thawed but not cooked. Drain any excess water.
- Lightly cook the broccoli (optional): While the recipe calls for thawed broccoli, I sometimes like to lightly steam or blanch it for a few minutes to soften it slightly. This is totally optional, but I find that it helps the broccoli cook more evenly in the oven. If you choose to do this, just steam or blanch the broccoli for about 3-5 minutes, then drain it well.
Assembling and Baking:
Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to assemble everything and bake our Chicken Divan to golden, bubbly perfection. This is where all the flavors come together and create a truly satisfying dish.
- Combine the ingredients: In the baking dish with the shredded or cubed chicken, add the thawed (and optionally lightly cooked) broccoli florets. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, making sure everything is evenly coated. Gently stir to combine.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, cheesy crust.
- Add the bread crumb topping (optional): If you want to add a little extra crunch, you can sprinkle bread crumbs over the cheese. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the cheese. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it!
- Bake the Chicken Divan: Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping (if using) is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent the topping from burning.
- Let it rest: Once the Chicken Divan is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together even more.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Divan is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side of rice, pasta, or a simple salad. It’s also great served with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Here are a few ideas:
- Rice: White rice, brown rice, or wild rice all pair well with Chicken Divan.
- Pasta: Egg noodles or rotini are good choices.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the richness of the dish.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce!
Tips and Variations:
Chicken Divan is a very versatile dish, and there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to try:
- Use different vegetables: You can substitute other vegetables for the broccoli, such as asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower.
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a delicious earthy flavor to the dish.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Use different cheese: You can substitute other cheeses for the cheddar and Parmesan, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the Chicken Divan ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freeze it: Chicken Divan can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Lower the fat: Use light mayonnaise and light sour cream to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- Add a sherry flavor: A tablespoon of dry sherry added to the sauce can enhance the flavor profile.
Troubleshooting:
Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:
- Sauce is too thick: Add a little milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
- Sauce is too thin: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the sauce. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thick
Conclusion:
This isn’t just another chicken casserole; it’s a creamy, dreamy, comforting hug in a dish, and that’s why this Chicken Divan recipe is an absolute must-try! The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and that luscious, cheesy sauce is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and leaves them feeling completely satisfied. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.
But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While the classic recipe is divine (pun intended!), there are so many ways to make it your own. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little kick. Or, if you’re a mushroom lover, sauté some sliced mushrooms and stir them into the broccoli before baking. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise in the sauce. And if you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works perfectly!
Serving suggestions are endless too! I personally love serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. But it’s equally amazing with egg noodles, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the casserole. And for a truly decadent experience, try topping it with some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers before baking – it adds a delightful crunch!
This Chicken Divan is also a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole a day or two in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a potluck favorite, or a simple yet satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations for a reason – it’s simply delicious and endlessly adaptable.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Chicken Divan! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you do try it, please, please, please come back and share your experience in the comments below! I’d love to hear what variations you tried, what sides you served it with, and most importantly, what your family thought. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures with this classic dish. Let me know if you have any questions, too! I’m always happy to help.
Chicken Divan: The Ultimate Guide to This Classic Comfort Food
Creamy Chicken Divan with tender chicken, broccoli, and a cheesy topping. Easy to make, perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned.
- Finish cooking the chicken: Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Shred or cube the chicken: Let cool slightly, then shred or cube the chicken.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, curry powder, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Thaw the broccoli: Thaw frozen broccoli florets completely. Lightly steam or blanch for 3-5 minutes (optional).
- Combine the ingredients: In the baking dish with the chicken, add the broccoli. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring everything is coated.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Add the bread crumb topping (optional): Combine bread crumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake the Chicken Divan: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and topping is golden brown.
- Let it rest: Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; cook in batches if necessary.
- A meat thermometer is recommended to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Thawing broccoli overnight in the refrigerator is recommended, or microwave for a few minutes until thawed but not cooked.
- Customize the dish by using different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
- The dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Chicken Divan can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
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