Old Time Chicken Divan: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken Divan. The name itself conjures up images of cozy family dinners, potlucks overflowing with deliciousness, and a nostalgic trip back to simpler times. This creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting casserole has graced tables for decades, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and a surefire crowd-pleaser.

This recipe aims to capture the essence of the *old time* Chicken Divan, the kind your grandmother might have made, with a few modern tweaks for ease and flavor enhancement. We’re talking tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, a rich and decadent cream sauce, and a golden, bubbly topping that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

## What is Chicken Divan?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the history and origins of this beloved dish. Chicken Divan is believed to have originated at the Divan Parisian Restaurant in the Chatham Hotel in New York City in the early 20th century. The exact creator is debated, but it quickly gained popularity and became a staple in American households.

The classic Chicken Divan consists of cooked chicken and broccoli, smothered in a Mornay sauce (a béchamel sauce with Gruyère cheese), topped with breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese, and baked until golden brown. Over time, variations emerged, with different cheeses, toppings, and additions like sherry or lemon juice added to the sauce.

## Why This Recipe Works

This particular recipe strikes a balance between tradition and convenience. Here’s what makes it special:

* **Simple Ingredients:** We use readily available ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Flavorful Sauce:** The cream sauce is rich and flavorful, thanks to the combination of butter, flour, chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese. A touch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth.
* **Perfectly Cooked Broccoli:** We blanch the broccoli to ensure it’s tender-crisp and retains its vibrant green color.
* **Crispy Topping:** A combination of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates a golden, bubbly topping that adds texture and flavor.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Divan:

* **Chicken:** 2-3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even canned chicken in a pinch. About 1.5 lbs raw boneless skinless chicken breasts is perfect for poaching.
* **Broccoli:** 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets. Fresh broccoli is preferred, but you can use frozen broccoli florets if necessary. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
* **Butter:** ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. Butter is essential for creating the roux, which thickens the sauce.
* **Flour:** ½ cup all-purpose flour. The flour combines with the butter to form the roux.
* **Chicken Broth:** 2 cups chicken broth. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup heavy cream. Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor to the sauce and topping.
* **Nutmeg:** ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the sauce and chicken to your liking.
* **Breadcrumbs:** ½ cup breadcrumbs. Use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Panko breadcrumbs will provide a crispier topping.
* **Optional:** 1/4 cup dry sherry. Sherry adds a distinctive flavor to the sauce, but it can be omitted if preferred.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large saucepan or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Colander
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the Chicken Divan! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect result every time.

**Step 1: Cook the Chicken (if needed)**

If you’re not using leftover cooked chicken, you’ll need to cook it first. Here are a few options:

* **Poaching:** Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with water or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through (about 15-20 minutes). Let cool slightly, then shred or cube. This is a great option as poaching ensures moist and tender chicken.
* **Baking:** Bake the chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Let cool slightly, then shred or cube.
* **Rotisserie Chicken:** This is the easiest option! Simply shred or cube the meat from a rotisserie chicken.

**Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli**

1. Wash and cut the broccoli into florets.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Blanching helps retain color and prevents overcooking in the oven.
4. Drain the broccoli in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

**Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce**

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. The roux should be smooth and golden brown.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the sherry.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove from heat.

**Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Divan**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the blanched broccoli florets evenly over the bottom.
3. Top with the cooked chicken, spreading it evenly over the broccoli.
4. Pour the cream sauce over the chicken and broccoli, making sure everything is well coated.
5. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.

**Step 5: Bake the Chicken Divan**

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
2. Let the Chicken Divan stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

Serve the Chicken Divan hot, straight from the oven. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of rice, pasta, or a simple salad.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** Blanching the broccoli for just a few minutes ensures it remains tender-crisp and doesn’t become mushy in the oven.
* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Feel free to add more or less chicken broth or cream to achieve your desired sauce consistency. You can also experiment with different cheeses and spices.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the Chicken Divan ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking.
* **Freezing:** Chicken Divan can be frozen, though the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

## Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of Chicken Divan is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses in the sauce, such as Gruyère, cheddar, or Swiss.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the casserole, such as mushrooms, asparagus, or peas.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the sauce for extra flavor.
* **Topping:** Use crushed crackers, potato chips, or fried onions for a different topping.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour to make the roux and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
* **Lighter Version:** Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of butter.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken Divan is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **Rice:** Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
* **Pasta:** Serve with cooked pasta, such as egg noodles or rotini.
* **Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
* **Bread:** Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 30-40g
* Protein: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g

## Chicken Divan: A Recipe for the Ages

Chicken Divan is more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of culinary history. It’s a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a special occasion, this classic recipe is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a delicious and memorable meal.

Enjoy!