Classic Chicken Divan Recipe: A Comfort Food Delight
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole that’s been a family favorite for generations. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish featuring chicken, broccoli, and a luscious sauce, often served over rice or noodles. This recipe provides a detailed guide to recreating this timeless dish in your own kitchen.
What is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan originated in the early 20th century at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in the Chatham Hotel in New York City. It was named after the restaurant and quickly became a popular menu item, eventually spreading throughout home kitchens across the United States. The original recipe likely involved Mornay sauce and hollandaise sauce, but modern versions often streamline the sauce with readily available ingredients like cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. While variations exist, the core components of chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce remain consistent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* Comfort Food Classic: Chicken Divan embodies the essence of comfort food. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty broccoli create a satisfying and nostalgic meal.
* Easy to Make: Despite its elegant presentation, Chicken Divan is surprisingly easy to prepare, especially with this detailed guide.
* Versatile: This recipe is adaptable to your preferences. You can use different types of cheese, add seasonings to the sauce, or adjust the vegetables.
* Make-Ahead Friendly: Chicken Divan can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
* Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers freeze well, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal whenever you crave it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* Cooked Chicken: 3 cups, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, or leftover baked chicken work well)
* Broccoli: 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained (or about 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender-crisp)
* Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.75-ounce) can
* Mayonnaise: 1 cup
* Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
* Milk: 1/4 cup (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
* Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
* Curry Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for a subtle warmth and depth of flavor)
* Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
* Salt: To taste (be mindful of the salt content in the soup and cheese)
* Cooked Rice or Noodles: For serving (optional)
* Bread Crumbs or Crushed Crackers: 1/4 cup (optional, for topping)
* Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons (optional, for topping)
Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Small bowl (for topping, if using)
* Whisk or spoon
* Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
* If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain any excess water. Press gently with paper towels to remove moisture. This prevents a watery casserole.
* If using fresh broccoli, cut it into florets and steam or blanch them until tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
* Cook your chicken using your preferred method. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option. Poaching chicken breasts yields tender and moist results. Leftover baked or grilled chicken also works well. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before proceeding.
* Shred or cube the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
* In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, milk (or chicken broth), lemon juice, curry powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
* Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Lightly grease the 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
* Spread the thawed and drained broccoli florets evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
* Distribute the shredded or cubed cooked chicken evenly over the broccoli.
* Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring that everything is well coated.
Step 5: Add the Topping (Optional)
* In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter.
* Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from browning too quickly.
* Bake for 20 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the topping (if using) is golden brown.
Step 7: Let it 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.
* Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles, if desired. You can also enjoy it on its own.
Tips for Success
* Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Overcooked broccoli will become mushy and detract from the texture of the dish. Aim for tender-crisp.
* Drain the Broccoli Thoroughly: Excess moisture from the broccoli will make the casserole watery. Be sure to drain it well.
* Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more curry powder for a stronger flavor, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
* Use Good Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will impact the overall flavor of the dish. Use fresh or high-quality frozen broccoli, flavorful chicken, and good quality cheese.
* Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the chicken and make the sauce separate. Bake until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
* Prevent the Topping from Burning: If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
* Consider Adding Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your Chicken Divan, such as sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or frozen peas.
* Experiment with Different Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
Variations
* Chicken Divan with Rice: Add 2 cups of cooked rice to the casserole dish before adding the chicken and sauce. This makes for a heartier meal.
* Chicken Divan with Noodles: Substitute cooked egg noodles for the rice. This is another popular variation.
* Vegetarian Divan: Replace the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
* Spicy Chicken Divan: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* Healthier Chicken Divan: Use low-fat mayonnaise, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat bread crumbs to make a healthier version. You can also add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
* Broccoli Cheese Casserole (Chicken Omitted): If you are looking for a simple side dish or want a vegetarian meal, omit the chicken and enjoy a creamy broccoli cheese casserole.
Serving Suggestions
* Serve Chicken Divan hot over cooked rice or noodles.
* Accompany it with a side salad for a complete meal.
* Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
* Add a garnish of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Chicken Divan can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the assembled casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, add the topping (if using), and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.
Storage Instructions
* Refrigerator: Leftover Chicken Divan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* Freezer: To freeze Chicken Divan, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in freezer wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
* Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Chicken Divan in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
* Microwave: Place a portion of Chicken Divan in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the sauce separate.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
* Calories: 400-500 per serving
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Saturated Fat: 10-15 grams
* Cholesterol: 100-150 mg
* Sodium: 800-1200 mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
* Fiber: 3-5 grams
* Protein: 25-35 grams
Printable Recipe Card
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Enjoy!
Chicken Divan is a classic dish that’s sure to please. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and wholesome broccoli, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!