Mouth-watering Chicken Divan Recipe: Easy and Delicious
Welcome to my kitchen, where I cook up some seriously delicious dishes that are perfect for entertaining. Whether you’re throwing a dinner party or just looking to impress a few guests, there’s always a recipe that will appeal to everyone’s taste buds.
Today’s recipe is one of my all-time favorites – the Chicken Divan Casserole. This classic dish was first served at the Chatham Hotel in New York City back in the 1930s, and it has since become a signature dish of the hotel.
Now, you can create this rich, creamy casserole right in your own kitchen. It is traditionally made with a simple combination of chicken, broccoli, sour cream, mayo, and cheese sauce. However, I’ve added my personal touch to make it even more flavorful.
This easy-to-make chicken and broccoli casserole is a comfort food that you’ll want to fall back on again and again. It’s good for low carb diets and it has the perfect balance of flavor and texture. So let’s get started on this fantastic recipe that is sure to become a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear food lover, let me tell you why you’re going to fall in love with the Chicken Divan recipe.
Firstly, this classic casserole is traditionally made with a simple combination of chicken and broccoli that is smothered in a rich creamy sauce, which makes it the ultimate comfort food. Imagine the tender bites of boneless skinless chicken breasts combined with the nutritious and delicious green broccoli florets, all doused in a creamy cheese sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect combination that can never go wrong!
What’s more exciting? This Chicken Divan recipe was once served as the signature dish at Chatham Hotel in New York City! And believe me; every bite of this casserole will transport you straight to New York City.
But wait! There’s more to love about this dish. You can easily customize it according to your liking by adjusting the seasoning or swapping some of the ingredients. For low-carb eaters, you can use canned or frozen broccoli instead of fresh ones and substitute heavy cream with sour cream or cream cheese.
And if you’re like me and enjoy experimenting with new flavors in classics, try adding curry powder to the mix for an Indian twist on this classic dish. It’s perfect for those who like fusion cuisine.
Lastly, this dish reheats perfectly and tastes even better the next day as leftovers! Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will become a staple in your home that everyone will look forward to!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Chicken Divan recipe:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped into florets
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup dry sherry
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Freshly chopped parsley leaves for garnishing
Note: You can also make a low-carb version of this dish by using canned cauliflower rice instead of rice. Just add it to the casserole dish if you wish.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve talked about why you’ll love this Chicken Divan recipe, let’s dive into the details of how to make it!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 2 heads of broccoli, chopped and steamed
- 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 cup of sour cream
- ½ cup of dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of curry powder(optional)
- 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, dry sherry, and fresh lemon juice.
- Add the cooked and shredded chicken breasts, steamed broccoli, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and curry powder (if using) to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
- After baking for 30 minutes, sprinkle an additional ½ cup of Parmesan cheese over the casserole and return it to the oven until the cheese melts and has started to brown on top.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Once ready, serve your delicious Chicken Divan recipe straight from the oven with a side dish such as rice or salad.
That’s it – it’s that easy! This creamy casserole is perfect for those who are looking for a hearty comforting meal that is easy to prepare yet guaranteed to impress.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making substitutions and variations for the Chicken Divan recipe, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can make it your own by swapping out certain ingredients or adding a little extra zest. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Low-carb: If you’re looking for a low-carb version of this classic dish, swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or serve it over a bed of greens.
– Curry: Add some warmth and spice to the dish by adding curry powder to the sauce mixture.
– Barefoot Contessa twist: Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, has her own take on Chicken Divan where she swaps out the chicken broth for white wine, adds mushrooms, and sprinkles breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
– Canned soup substitute: Instead of using canned cream of chicken soup, make your own cream sauce with heavy cream and chicken broth. For a vegetarian option, try using cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
– Cheese: Swap out the cheddar cheese for Gruyere or Swiss cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.
No matter what variations you decide to make to this dish, be sure to continue including the main ingredients such as the boneless skinless chicken breasts and fresh broccoli florets. These key components form the foundation of this creamy casserole that is loved by many.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing chicken divan, there are a few options to consider. First, this rich and creamy casserole can be served on its own as a main dish. It’s quite filling due to the combination of chicken and broccoli, so you won’t need to worry about any additional sides.
However, if you’re looking to add some variety to your meal, there are a couple of options for pairing. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can complement the creaminess of the casserole nicely. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something more substantial, try serving it with a side of rice pilaf or roasted potatoes.
For those who want to add a bit of spice to their meal, consider sprinkling some curry powder on top of the chicken divan before serving. This will add a nice kick of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Finally, when it comes to beverages that pair well with chicken divan, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio goes really well with this classic casserole. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, try serving with sparkling water infused with cucumber or lemon.
So whether you choose to enjoy chicken divan solo or paired with a complementary side dish and beverage, this classic recipe is sure to please any crowd.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This recipe for Chicken Divan can easily be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated for a later time if you are planning a party or simply want to save time.
To make ahead, cook the casserole as directed and let cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can store it up to 2 days in the fridge.
When it is time to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Reheat the casserole uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If it is drying out, add a little bit of chicken broth or cream on top before reheating.
If you have any leftovers after reheating, cover and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating leftovers, you can do so in the microwave or oven depending on your preference. For microwave: heat on high for about 1-2 minutes depending on portion size. For oven: reheat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Keep in mind that due to the creamy sauce, the casserole may appear separated or curdled after being refrigerated but it will taste just as delicious once reheated!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to achieve perfection in your Chicken Divan recipe, then don’t miss these useful tips. Whether you are making it for the first time or a seasoned home chef, these tips will help you create a rich, creamy and flavorful casserole that guests will surely love.
1. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Overcooked broccoli can turn to mush and lose its vibrant green color. Therefore, cook it until it’s tender crisp and still has some bite left. You can blanch it in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or steam it for about 5 minutes.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli, chicken breasts, and real Parmesan cheese are flavors that stand out in this recipe. Fresh black pepper and kosher salt can also elevate the taste of this dish. To get the best results from this recipe, don’t skimp on using fresh ingredients.
3. Pre-Cooked Chicken Works Best: The recipe calls for cooked chicken breasts, which makes it easier to throw everything together before the final baking. If you have leftover cooked chicken from previous meals, then this is perfect for your casserole. However, if you plan to use raw chicken that must be cooked first, make sure to properly cook it and let it rest before shredding or slicing.
4. Cut Chicken into Bite-Sized Pieces: Slice or shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces so that they can easily be mixed with the broccoli and sauce. This also ensures that each serving has a good portion of chicken in every bite.
5. Gently Reheat Leftovers: If you have leftovers, gently reheat them in the oven or microwave. Allow enough time to bring the casserole up to temperature so that it heats evenly throughout without drying out.
By following these simple tips, you can achieve delicious results every time with your Chicken Divan recipe. Remember that cooking is both an art and a science, feel free to experiment while sticking to these guidelines for best results!
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned how to create this delicious and classic Chicken Divan recipe, let’s address some frequently asked questions to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time. These questions range from ingredient substitutions to cooking methods and serving suggestions. So, read on to discover solutions to any potential roadblocks on your way to creating the best Chicken Divan at home!
What is Chicken Divan made of?
If you’re in the mood for a creamy and satisfying casserole, you might want to try making Chicken Divan. Traditionally, it’s made using a handful of simple ingredients such as chicken, broccoli, sour cream or mayo, cream of chicken soup, milk, and a few basic seasonings. Leftover chicken is perfect for this dish, but you can also use uncooked chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer.
What does Divan mean in a recipe?
Chicken Divan is a classic casserole dish that typically features chicken, broccoli, and Mornay sauce. This delicious recipe is said to have originated from the Divan Parisien Restaurant at the Chatham Hotel in New York City, where it quickly became their signature dish during the early 1900s.
When was Chicken Divan invented?
The origins of chicken divan can be traced back to the 1940s when a New York City chef named Lagasi created the dish at the Divan Parisienne Restaurant of Chatham Hotel. Lagasi entered the recipe into a cooking competition and won, making it the hotel’s signature dish. Today, chicken divan remains a classic American dish enjoyed by many.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chicken Divan recipe is a classic, comforting dish that has been enjoyed by many for decades. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken, and healthy broccoli, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinner to holiday gatherings.
Whether you make it traditionally with canned soup or use fresh ingredients to create your own sauce, this recipe has a lot of flexibility and room for customization. You can also experiment with different substitutions and variations to make it your own.
So why not try making Chicken Divan for your next potluck or dinner party? Your guests are sure to love the delicious flavors and rich creaminess of this beloved dish. And who knows, perhaps you might even create your own signature version of this classic casserole that will become a staple in your household for years to come.
Chicken Divan Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli, trimmed and cut into 4-inch spears
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, diced (1/2 stick)
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, well chilled
- 3 tablespoons dry sherry (medium dry)
- fresh lemon juice
- kosher salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and sliced thin
Instructions
- Heat a large saucepan, with salted water, to boiling; cook broccoli until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Drain broccoli, set aside, cover to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, in another heavy saucepan, melt butter over low heat; stir in flour and continue stirring for about 3 minutes.
- Slowly stir in broth and bring to a boil; continue cooking and stirring until the mixture gets thick, about 10 minutes.
- Beat cream,with an electric mixer, until stiff peaks form; fold into flour mixture, along with sherry and enough lemon juice to taste.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange broccoli in a flame-proof platter; pour over half the sauce.
- Stir 1/4 cup of the Parmesan into the remaining sauce; arrange chicken on top of the broccoli,then pour the 2nd half of the sauce over it.
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and broil about 6 inches from the heat, until the sauce is golden and bubbly, about 1 minute.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!