Oh, Chicken Divan. What does the name of a restaurant conjure up? Is it one of those recipes that my grandma used to make, and it always felt like a warm hug on the couch? What is a creamy, cheesy casserole? How do I make a chicken pot pie without the fuss of making the crust? If you’re craving comfort food, this is the recipe you need. Why is it a family favorite? I always make sure to have the ingredients on hand – it’s a total lifesaver when I’m short on time. What do you want to eat but still want something delicious?
What is chicken divan?
Chicken Divan is a chicken and broccoli casserole blanketed in cheesy sauce. It’s a dish that has been around for decades, and it is believed to have originated in the Divan. Parisienne Restaurant at the Chatham Hotel in New York City. Think of it as the ultimate in comforting elegance – simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It’s essentially tender chicken and vibrant broccoli nestled under a decadent sauce, baked to bubbly bubbles. I think its staying power comes from its simplicity; It uses pantry staples and is so easy to adapt to your own taste. This isn’t some complicated gourmet meal, it’s honest, delicious, home cooking at its finest.
Why you should try this recipe?
Okay, where do I even start? First, the flavor. It’s this perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory, with the broccoli adding a lovely fresh element. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes you can throw together on a busy weeknight without any stress. Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. Chicken and broccoli are both relatively inexpensive, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. It also feels fancy enough to serve to guests, but easy enough for a simple family dinner. If you’re a fan of creamy chicken dishes like Chicken Tetrazzini, this is definitely worth a try. It’s less fussy, in my opinion, and the bright green broccoli just makes it so much more appealing. And my family *loves* it. They’re always asking for “Grandma’s chicken thing,” which is high praise in my book!
How do I make chicken divan?
Quick Overview
How do I make a chicken divan? What are some good ways to cook chicken and broccoli, whip up a creamy sauce, combine them, and serve. In a casserole dish, put everything in tupperware, and bake it until golden brown. What’s the best part about a dump-and-bake meal? What is a step up from the ready meals you find frozen in the store and once you try it you’ll never forget it. I promise you, go back!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broccoli: What is the recipe?
* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
What is the Creamy Sauce?
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping (Optional): Is
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup bread crumbs
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking to your hands? What are some good ways to skip this step? Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you start cooking. How do you cook a casserole?
Step 2: Cook Chicken and Broccoli
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Steam or boil broccoli florets until tender-crisp (about 5 minutes). Drain well and set aside. I always err on the side of slightly undercooking the broccoli, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Nobody likes mushy broccoli!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick. Where does magic happen? How do you make sauce thick enough to coat a spoon?
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared casserole dish, combine the cooked chicken and broccoli. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, making sure everything is evenly coated. If you’re using the optional topping, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and bread crumbs. I sometimes like to add a little paprika for a pop of color. This is where you can get creative and customize the casserole to your liking.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and prevent it from being too runny. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the Chicken Divan from the oven and let it cool before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy! I think it’s best served immediately, but it is also delicious reheated the next day. What are the best ways to store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days?
What should I serve it with?
Chicken Divan is a pretty complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are some suggestions. What are some serving suggestions?
For a Simple Weeknight Dinner:What is the best way to serve a garlic toast with crusty bread? What are some good ways to add freshness to a salad?
For a More Elegant Occasion: Serve with wild Rice Pilaf and roasted asparagus. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would pair perfectly.
As a Brunch Dish: Serve smaller portions alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty and satisfying brunch. A mimosa or a bloody mary would be the perfect accompaniment.
My family loves it with mashed potatoes. It’s comfort food heaven!
How do I make a perfect chicken divan?
What are some of the best ways to make chicken?
Chicken Prep:Can you use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time? What is the best way to cut a potato into bite-sized pieces? I’ve also found that poaching the chicken breasts results in the most tender and juicy chicken.
Broccoli Tips: Don’t overcook the broccoli! It should be tender-crisp, not mushy. If you’re using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain it well before adding it to the casserole. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll roast the broccoli instead of steaming it. It adds a nice smoky flavor.
Sauce Secrets: For a richer sauce, use whole milk instead of chicken broth. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess. I’ve even experimented with adding a little Dijon mustard for a tangy kick.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious. I once used a blend of Parmesan and Asiago, and it was amazing!
Bread Crumb Magic: Use seasoned bread crumbs for added flavor. You can also toast the bread crumbs in a skillet with a little butter before sprinkling them on top for extra crunch. I often use crushed Ritz crackers instead of bread crumbs – it’s a game changer!
Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the topping before baking. This is a lifesaver when you’re entertaining!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your Chicken Divan for the best results:
Room Temperature: Chicken Divan should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s important to refrigerate it promptly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent it from drying out. I like to use glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
Freezer Instructions: Chicken Divan can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat Chicken Divan, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may not be as good. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Chicken Divan is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, sharing stories and making memories. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the comfort and joy that it brings. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious casserole recipes, be sure to check out my other posts on my blog. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your Chicken Divan turns out! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Chicken Divan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breast
- 10 oz Broccoli florets
- 1 cup Cream of mushroom soup
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook chicken and broccoli.
- Combine soup, milk, and cheese in a bowl.
- Add chicken and broccoli to the cheese mixture.
- Pour into a greased casserole dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
