Chicken Divan

Introduction

Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole that’s both comforting and elegant, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or potluck gatherings. This creamy, cheesy dish features tender chicken and broccoli florets bathed in a luscious sauce, often topped with crispy breadcrumbs for added texture. Its rich flavor and satisfying heartiness make it a timeless favorite for generations.

The origins of Chicken Divan can be traced back to the Divan Parisienne Restaurant at the Chatham Hotel in New York City during the early 20th century. Developed by chef Lagasi, the dish quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in homes and restaurants across the country. While the original recipe might have been more complex, the home-style version is wonderfully simple to prepare, requiring readily available ingredients and minimal effort.

What makes Chicken Divan so appealing is its versatility. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken, transforming it into a brand-new, exciting meal. You can easily adapt the recipe to your personal preferences, adding different vegetables or cheeses, or adjusting the level of richness to suit your taste.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, Chicken Divan is an excellent choice. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight family dinners
• Potluck gatherings
• Using leftover cooked chicken
• Casserole lovers
• Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This

Here’s why Chicken Divan will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen:

• Comforting and Creamy: The rich, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and broccoli creates a satisfying and heartwarming dish.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile and Customizable: Adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or toppings.
• Great for Leftovers: Transform leftover cooked chicken into a delicious and exciting meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Chicken Divan is a classic dish that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories (depending on ingredients used)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 25g (approximate)

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious Chicken Divan:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Ingredient Highlights

• Cooked Chicken: Provides a lean source of protein and a savory base for the casserole. Leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poached chicken all work well.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber, along with a satisfying crunch. Thawing the broccoli before assembling the casserole helps ensure even cooking.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Forms the base of the creamy sauce, providing a rich and comforting flavor.
• Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tang to the sauce, creating a luscious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the savory flavor of the sauce with its salty, nutty notes.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy topping for added texture and visual appeal.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the breadcrumb topping, helping it brown beautifully in the oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make classic Chicken Divan:

Prepare the Broccoli:

1. Steam or Microwave Broccoli: If desired, lightly steam or microwave the thawed broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. This step is optional but can help ensure the broccoli is cooked to your liking.

Make the Sauce:

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Assemble the Casserole:

1. Combine Chicken and Broccoli: Add the cooked chicken and thawed broccoli florets to the bowl with the sauce. Gently toss until the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.

Prepare the Topping:

1. Mix Breadcrumbs and Butter: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
2. Sprinkle Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and broccoli mixture in the baking dish.

Bake the Casserole:

1. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.

Serve:

1. Let Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve Warm: Serve the Chicken Divan warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

How to Serve Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan can be served in various ways to enhance the dining experience:

• Classic Casserole Style: Serve directly from the baking dish for a comforting, home-style presentation.
• Individual Portions: Spoon individual servings onto plates for a more elegant presentation.
• Over Rice or Noodles: Serve over cooked white rice, brown rice, or egg noodles for a more substantial meal.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or a simple tomato salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed green beans, asparagus, or carrots for a complete and nutritious meal.

Additional Tips for Chicken Divan

Follow these tips for the best Chicken Divan:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Lightly steaming or microwaving the broccoli before assembling the casserole helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and broccoli, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Use a Variety of Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the sauce, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Enhance the casserole with additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions.
• Make it Lighter: Use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream to reduce the calorie content of the casserole.
• Prepare Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Recipe Variations for Chicken Divan

Here are 10 variations to customize your Chicken Divan:

1. Cheddar Chicken Divan: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top of the breadcrumb topping.
2. Mushroom Chicken Divan: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the chicken and broccoli mixture.
3. Spicy Chicken Divan: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
4. Vegetable Chicken Divan: Add other vegetables such as chopped carrots, celery, or peas to the chicken and broccoli mixture.
5. Lemon Herb Chicken Divan: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the sauce.
6. Crunchy Onion Chicken Divan: Top the casserole with crispy fried onions instead of breadcrumbs.
7. Curry Chicken Divan: Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the sauce for a flavorful twist.
8. Gluten-Free Chicken Divan: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup substitute.
9. Healthier Chicken Divan: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use whole wheat breadcrumbs.
10. Spinach Chicken Divan: Add fresh or frozen spinach to the chicken and broccoli mixture for added nutrients.

Freezing and Storage for Chicken Divan

• Freezing: Chicken Divan can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. To freeze after baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cut into portions and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Storage: Leftover Chicken Divan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Special Equipment for Chicken Divan

Here are some items that make preparing Chicken Divan easier:

1. 9×13 inch Baking Dish: Essential for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Large Bowl: Used for mixing the sauce and combining the ingredients.
3. Whisk: Helps to create a smooth and lump-free sauce.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise measurements for the ingredients.
5. Vegetable Steamer or Microwave-Safe Bowl: Used for lightly steaming or microwaving the broccoli.
6. Grater: Ideal for grating Parmesan cheese.
7. Small Bowl: Used for mixing the breadcrumb topping.
8. Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and spreading the casserole mixture.
9. Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes from the oven.
10. Serving Spoon: Used for serving the Chicken Divan.

FAQ Section for Chicken Divan

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great option for this recipe. Simply shred or cube the chicken and use it in the casserole.
2. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
   Yes, fresh broccoli can be used. Cut the broccoli into florets and steam or boil them until tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
   You can make your own cream sauce using chicken broth, milk or cream, and flour or cornstarch. Alternatively, you can use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup.
5. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
   Yes, you can add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or peas to the casserole.
6. How do I prevent the breadcrumb topping from burning?
   If the breadcrumb topping starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
7. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
   Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
8. Is this casserole kid-friendly?
   Yes, Chicken Divan is generally kid-friendly. You can adjust the seasoning and omit any spicy ingredients to suit children’s tastes.
9. Can I use a different type of breadcrumbs?
   Yes, you can use different types of breadcrumbs such as Panko breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs.
10. How do I reheat leftover Chicken Divan?
    You can reheat leftover Chicken Divan in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave on medium power until heated through.

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Conclusion for Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is a timeless classic that offers a delightful combination of comfort, flavor, and versatility. Its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and nutrient-rich broccoli make it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or cooking from scratch, this casserole is easy to prepare and endlessly customizable to suit your personal preferences.

From its origins in a New York City restaurant to its place as a beloved home-cooked dish, Chicken Divan has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to share a comforting and delicious meal.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying dish of Chicken Divan. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Bon appétit!