Chicken Divan: The Ultimate Guide to Making This Classic Dish

Chicken Divan, a creamy, comforting casserole, is about to become your new weeknight hero! Imagine tender chicken nestled in a blanket of rich, cheesy sauce, all atop a bed of perfectly cooked broccoli. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm hug on a plate.

While its exact origins are debated, many believe Chicken Divan was created at the Divan Parisian restaurant in the New York City Chatham Hotel in the early 20th century. The dish quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in American households for its ease of preparation and satisfying flavor. It represents a time when elegant comfort food reigned supreme.

What makes Chicken Divan so irresistible? It’s the symphony of textures and tastes! The creamy sauce, often made with mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, and a generous helping of cheddar cheese, is pure indulgence. The broccoli provides a welcome bite, and the chicken offers a savory protein punch. It’s a complete meal in one dish, perfect for busy families or anyone craving a little bit of classic comfort. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily adapt it to your liking by adding different vegetables or spices. Get ready to experience the magic of Chicken Divan!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

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

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 like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re easy to work with and cook evenly, but you could also use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven ready is always the first step!
2. Season the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really enhances the flavor. I usually use about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, but you can adjust it to your taste.
3. Sear the chicken (optional, but recommended!). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Searing the chicken gives it a beautiful golden-brown crust and helps to seal in the juices. Cook the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, just get a good sear on them. If you prefer to skip the searing, you can simply bake the chicken directly in the oven, but I find that searing adds a lot of flavor.
4. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish. Place the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure they are evenly spaced so they cook evenly.

Making the Divan Sauce:

Now, let’s move on to the star of the show – the Divan sauce! This creamy, flavorful sauce is what makes Chicken Divan so irresistible. It’s super easy to make, and you can customize it to your liking by adding different spices or herbs.

1. Combine the ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, garlic powder, and milk. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps. The curry powder is what gives the sauce its signature flavor, so don’t skip it! I like to use a good quality curry powder for the best results.
2. Adjust the consistency. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out. You want it to be pourable, but not too runny.

Assembling the Chicken Divan:

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to layer the chicken, broccoli, and sauce to create a truly unforgettable dish. It’s so easy to assemble, and it’s a great way to get your veggies in.

1. Arrange the broccoli. Spread the thawed broccoli florets evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Make sure the broccoli is evenly distributed so that every bite has a good balance of chicken and broccoli.
2. Pour the sauce. Pour the Divan sauce over the broccoli and chicken. Make sure the sauce covers everything evenly. You can use a spoon to spread it around if needed.
3. Sprinkle with cheese. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. I like to use a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor, but you can use any cheese you like. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyere would all be delicious.
4. Prepare the breadcrumb topping. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Toss to coat. This will give the topping a nice golden-brown color and a crispy texture.
5. Sprinkle with breadcrumb topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the cheese.

Baking the Chicken Divan:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake the Chicken Divan until it’s bubbly, golden brown, and absolutely irresistible. The aroma that will fill your kitchen while it’s baking is simply heavenly.

1. Bake in the preheated oven. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Check for doneness. To check if the chicken is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. If it reaches 165°F (74°C), it’s ready to go. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes.
3. Broil for extra browning (optional). If you want the top to be extra golden brown, you can broil it for the last few minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
4. Let it rest. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken Divan is a complete meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served with a side of rice, pasta, or a simple salad. Here are a few ideas:

• Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. The rice will soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Pasta: Serve with your favorite pasta shape, such as egg noodles, penne, or rotini.
• Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
• Garlic bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping in the sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Divan! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Chicken Divan recipe is truly a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal. I know, I know, there are a million chicken recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The creamy sauce, the tender chicken, and the perfectly cooked broccoli all come together in a symphony of deliciousness that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

What makes this Chicken Divan so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The broccoli provides a slight crunch, the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the creamy sauce ties everything together with a rich, savory flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

This Chicken Divan is fantastic served over rice, but it’s also delicious with egg noodles, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Want to add a little extra zing? A squeeze of lemon juice over the finished dish brightens up the flavors beautifully. You could also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for a touch of heat.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some different vegetables to the mix. Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even asparagus would all be delicious additions. You could also substitute the broccoli with cauliflower for a slightly different flavor profile.

For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese on top before baking. The possibilities are endless!

Make it Ahead:

One of the best things about this Chicken Divan is that it can be made ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish according to the instructions, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. This makes it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests.

Why You Should Try This Recipe:

I truly believe that this Chicken Divan recipe is a winner. It’s easy to make, it’s incredibly delicious, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken.

But don’t just take my word for it! I encourage you to try this recipe for yourself and see what you think. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

Share Your Experience!

Once you’ve made this Chicken Divan, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and discover the joy of homemade Chicken Divan. Happy cooking! I hope this becomes a staple in your recipe collection, bringing comfort and deliciousness to your table for years to come. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I’m here to help you succeed in the kitchen!