Chicken Divan: The Ultimate Guide to This Classic Comfort Food

Chicken Divan, a creamy, comforting casserole, is a dish that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia for many. Have you ever craved a meal that feels like a warm hug? This classic American casserole is exactly that! It’s a symphony of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a luscious cream sauce, all baked to golden perfection.

While its exact origins are debated, Chicken Divan is widely believed to have originated in the Divan Parisienne Restaurant at the Chatham Hotel in New York City in the early 20th century. It quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in households across the country. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and satisfying flavor profile. The combination of the savory chicken, the slightly bitter broccoli, and the rich, creamy sauce is simply irresistible.

What makes this dish so beloved? It’s more than just the taste. It’s the ease of preparation, the ability to customize it to your liking, and the sheer comfort it provides. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, Chicken Divan is always a winner. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables! So, let’s dive into this timeless recipe and create a dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)

Preparing the Chicken

Okay, let’s start with the chicken. This is the foundation of our delicious Chicken Divan, so we want to make sure it’s cooked perfectly. I usually poach mine, but you can bake or grill it if you prefer. I find poaching keeps it nice and moist.

1. Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Make sure you get both sides! This simple step adds a lot of flavor.
2. Poach the chicken (my preferred method): In a large pot, bring water to a simmer. Gently place the chicken breasts in the simmering water. Make sure the water covers the chicken completely. If not, add a little more.
3. Cook the chicken: Cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure! Overcooked chicken is dry and nobody wants that.
4. Bake the chicken (alternative method): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Drizzle with the melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Grill the chicken (another alternative): Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the seasoned chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Shred or cube the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot (or oven/grill) and let it cool slightly. Then, shred it with two forks or cut it into bite-sized cubes. I prefer shredding, but cubing works just as well.

Preparing the Sauce

Now for the creamy, dreamy sauce! This is what really makes Chicken Divan so comforting and flavorful. Don’t skimp on the ingredients here; they all play a crucial role.

1. Combine the soup, mayonnaise, and milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and milk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Add the seasonings: Stir in the lemon juice, curry powder, and garlic powder. The curry powder might seem like an odd addition, but trust me, it adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that’s just perfect.
3. Taste and adjust: Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or curry powder, depending on your preference.

Assembling the Chicken Divan

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to layer everything together to create a casserole that’s both beautiful and delicious. Get ready to assemble!

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Layer the broccoli: Spread the thawed broccoli florets evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Make sure they’re in a single layer so they cook evenly.
4. Add the chicken: Arrange the shredded or cubed chicken over the broccoli. Try to distribute it evenly so every bite has a good mix of chicken and broccoli.
5. Pour the sauce: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli. Use a spatula to make sure the sauce gets into all the nooks and crannies.
6. Sprinkle with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce. The cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly topping.

Creating the Topping

A crispy, buttery topping is the perfect finishing touch for Chicken Divan. It adds texture and flavor that complements the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

1. Combine bread crumbs and melted butter: In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Toss them together until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
2. Sprinkle over the casserole: Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the cheese. This will create a golden-brown, crispy topping as the casserole bakes.

Baking the Chicken Divan

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake the Chicken Divan until it’s bubbly, golden brown, and utterly irresistible.

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure the topping doesn’t burn.
2. Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Divan is a complete meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served with a few simple sides. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Rice: Serve over cooked white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Noodles: Egg noodles or pasta shells are another great option for serving with Chicken Divan.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Crusty bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

Tips and Variations

Chicken Divan is a classic recipe, but there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

• Use different vegetables: Substitute the broccoli with asparagus, cauliflower, or green beans.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Use different cheese: Try using a different type of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Make it lighter: Use light mayonnaise and low-fat cream of chicken soup to reduce the calories and fat.
• Add sherry: A splash of dry sherry to the sauce adds a sophisticated touch.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Chicken Divan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Freezing Instructions

Chicken Divan can also be frozen for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Fat: 25-35 grams
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Divan! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Chicken Divan recipe is truly a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting, flavorful, and relatively easy meal to whip up. From the creamy, cheesy sauce to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli, every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. It’s a classic for a reason, and I promise, once you try this version, it will become a staple in your own recipe rotation.

But what makes this particular Chicken Divan so special? It’s the perfect balance of richness and simplicity. We’ve avoided overly processed ingredients and focused on creating a dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome. The subtle hint of lemon juice brightens the sauce, preventing it from becoming too heavy, and the addition of a touch of garlic powder adds a depth of flavor that you won’t find in every recipe. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

While this Chicken Divan is delicious served as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. For a heartier meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or egg noodles. You could also try adding a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or slivered almonds on top for extra crunch.

If you’re looking for variations, consider swapping out the broccoli for other vegetables like cauliflower, asparagus, or even green beans. You can also experiment with different cheeses in the sauce. Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious alternatives to the classic cheddar cheese.

For those who are watching their calorie intake, you can lighten up the sauce by using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe without sacrificing too much flavor.

Another fun variation is to add a layer of cooked ham or bacon to the dish before baking. This will add a smoky, savory element that complements the chicken and broccoli perfectly.

Why This Recipe Stands Out:

I truly believe that this Chicken Divan recipe is special because it’s not just about following instructions; it’s about creating an experience. It’s about the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes, the anticipation of that first bite, and the satisfaction of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. It’s about taking a classic dish and making it your own.

Time to Get Cooking!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I’m confident that you’ll love this Chicken Divan as much as I do. It’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or even a special occasion.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of creating something delicious. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? Did you serve it with anything special? What did your family and friends think?

Please, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and share your thoughts and photos. I love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback. Your experiences help me to continue improving my recipes and sharing them with the world. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! Let me know if you think this is the best Chicken Divan you’ve ever tasted!

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