Chicken Divan is a classic, creamy casserole dish featuring tender chicken and fresh broccoli, baked to perfection under a blanket of rich, cheesy sauce. This comforting recipe combines simple ingredients like cooked chicken, broccoli florets, a velvety mixture of cream of chicken soup and sour cream, and a generous topping of breadcrumbs or cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
What Is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is a creamy casserole traditionally made with cooked chicken, broccoli, a cheesy béchamel or cream-based sauce, and a crunchy topping, often breadcrumbs or crackers. It originated in the 1950s at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City, where it was served as a signature dish. Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved homemade comfort food, with countless variations suited to individual tastes.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Divan
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Blanching it briefly ensures it stays bright green and tender-crisp.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This is a time-saver and adds great flavor.
- Mix Cheeses: Combining sharp cheddar with Gruyère or Parmesan enhances the dish’s complexity.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Add Texture to the Topping: Try mixing breadcrumbs with chopped nuts or Parmesan for extra crunch.
Variations of Chicken Divan
One of the best things about Chicken Divan is its versatility. Here are some popular variations:
- Low-Carb Chicken Divan: Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream soup and substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free crackers.
- Vegan Chicken Divan: Use plant-based chicken, vegan cheese, and coconut milk in the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:
- Rice: White, brown, or wild rice soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Pasta: Serve over egg noodles or linguine.
- Mashed Potatoes: A hearty option that complements the dish’s richness.
- Salad or Bread: Balance the meal with a fresh green salad or a crusty baguette.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Divan
Storing:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the casserole (before baking) in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- From the fridge: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes.
- From frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
What’s the best substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Thaw it first and pat it dry to avoid excess water in the casserole.
Why is my casserole watery?
This often happens if the broccoli isn’t drained properly or if frozen broccoli isn’t thawed before use.
Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan is a classic, creamy casserole dish featuring tender chicken and fresh broccoli, baked to perfection under a blanket of rich, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp mustard powder
Topping:
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken, onions, and celery with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Toss in broccoli and olive oil. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, seasonings, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Mix melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C), and sprinkle the topping over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with rice, biscuits, or mashed potatoes for a full meal.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 727Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 216mgSodium: 1030mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 64g
Chickenrecipes.blog, 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 allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Divan is a classic for good reason. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it for dinner, bring it to a potluck, or make it a staple in your weekly meal prep—the possibilities are endless.
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