Quick & Easy Chicken Divan: A Comfort Food Classic in Under 30 Minutes
Chicken Divan is a beloved casserole that has graced dinner tables for generations. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli florets create a comforting and satisfying meal. While traditional recipes can be time-consuming, this quick and easy version delivers all the flavor you crave in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe utilizes readily available ingredients and streamlined techniques to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Quick Chicken Divan
* **Speedy Preparation:** From start to finish, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** It delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional Chicken Divan without the fuss.
* **Versatile:** Customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheese.
* **Family-Friendly:** A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Cooked Chicken:** 2 cups, shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, or use leftover cooked chicken.
* **Broccoli Florets:** 2 cups, fresh or frozen. If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 1 can (10.75 ounces)
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup. Use your favorite brand.
* **Sour Cream:** 1/4 cup. Adds richness and tang.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon. Brightens the flavor.
* **Curry Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. A key ingredient for the signature Divan flavor. Adjust to your taste.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1/2 cup, shredded. Optional, for topping.
* **Bread Crumbs:** 1/4 cup, plain or seasoned. Optional, for topping.
* **Melted Butter:** 2 tablespoons. Optional, for topping with bread crumbs.
Equipment
* **9×13 inch baking dish**
* **Large bowl**
* **Measuring cups and spoons**
* **Whisk or spoon**
Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
**2. Prepare the Broccoli:**
* If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for about 5 minutes until slightly tender-crisp. This helps them cook evenly in the casserole. Drain well. If using frozen broccoli, thaw completely and drain well, pressing out any excess moisture. Excess water will make your casserole watery.
**3. Make the Sauce:**
* In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Some people prefer a stronger curry flavor, so feel free to add a bit more curry powder to your liking.
**4. Combine Ingredients:**
* Add the cooked chicken and broccoli florets to the sauce. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the broccoli mushy.
**5. Transfer to Baking Dish:**
* Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
**6. Add Toppings (Optional):**
* If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
* In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the cheese (if using) or directly onto the casserole.
**7. Bake:**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown (if using). If you’re using the bread crumb topping, watch carefully to prevent it from burning.
**8. Let Rest and Serve:**
* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
**9. Serve:**
* Serve hot. Chicken Divan is delicious on its own or served over rice, noodles, or toast points. A simple side salad complements the richness of the casserole.
Tips and Variations
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the broccoli, such as cauliflower, asparagus, or green beans. You can also add sliced mushrooms or chopped bell peppers.
* **Add Cheese to the Sauce:** For an extra cheesy casserole, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese into the sauce before adding the chicken and broccoli.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free bread crumbs.
* **Use Different Types of Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Swiss.
* **Add Some Crunch:** Top the casserole with crushed crackers or potato chips for added crunch.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
* **Use a Different Protein:** While this recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute cooked turkey or ham. You can even use canned tuna or salmon for a seafood version.
* **Adjust the Curry Powder:** The amount of curry powder can be adjusted to suit your taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more if you prefer a stronger curry flavor.
* **Prevent a Watery Casserole:** Make sure to drain the broccoli well, especially if using frozen broccoli. Excess water will make your casserole watery.
Serving Suggestions
* **Over Rice:** Serve Chicken Divan over cooked white or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The rice soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
* **Over Noodles:** Egg noodles or wide noodles are another great option for serving Chicken Divan.
* **Toast Points:** Spread the Chicken Divan over toasted bread or crackers for a delicious appetizer or light meal.
* **With a Side Salad:** A simple green salad or a Caesar salad is a perfect complement to the richness of the casserole.
* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Serve alongside roasted vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This Chicken Divan can be easily prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for potlucks or busy weeknights.
1. **Assemble the Casserole:** Prepare the casserole as directed in the recipe, but do not bake it.
2. **Cover and Refrigerate:** Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
3. **Bake:** When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help it cook more evenly.
4. **Add Topping:** Add the cheese and bread crumb topping (if using) just before baking.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Leftover Chicken Divan can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warmed. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the sauce separate.
* **Freeze:** While Chicken Divan can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. The sauce may become slightly watery. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* **Calories:** Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* **Fat:** 20-25 grams
* **Protein:** 20-25 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 15-20 grams
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Chicken Divan: A Timeless Classic Reimagined for Today
This quick and easy Chicken Divan recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of comfort food. By streamlining the traditional method and utilizing readily available ingredients, you can enjoy this classic casserole any night of the week. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli create a symphony of flavors that will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the comforting magic of Chicken Divan in under 30 minutes!