What is chicken divan?

Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish featuring cooked chicken and broccoli florets baked in a rich, creamy sauce, typically made with cream of chicken soup or a homemade bu00e9chamel, mayonnaise, and often cheese. It's usually topped with breadcrumbs or extra cheese for a golden, bubbly finish and is considered a comforting family meal.

Can I make chicken divan ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire chicken divan recipe casserole, including the topping, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time if it's still quite cold from the fridge.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup in this chicken divan recipe?

If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade bu00e9chamel sauce (white sauce) as a base. Whisk 1/4 cup melted butter with 1/4 cup flour, then gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, then proceed with the rest of the chicken divan recipe, incorporating mayonnaise and cheese into your homemade sauce.

How do I prevent my chicken divan from being watery?

To prevent a watery chicken divan recipe, ensure your broccoli is lightly steamed or blanched and well-drained before adding it to the casserole. Excess moisture from vegetables is a common culprit. Also, make sure your chicken is fully cooked but not overcooked, as dry chicken can release more liquid. Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the sauce set and prevents it from being too loose.

chicken divan recipe: 7 Steps to a Creamy Classic Comfort Food

Name: Classic Chicken Divan Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (from 2-3 chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken); 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched; 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Description

A timeless comfort food, this classic chicken divan recipe features tender chicken and fresh broccoli florets baked in a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb and cheese topping. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining!

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (from 2-3 chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will ensure your chicken divan recipe doesn't stick.
Step 2: In the prepared baking dish, spread the steamed or blanched broccoli florets evenly across the bottom. Top with the cooked chicken, distributing it uniformly over the broccoli.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, fresh lemon juice, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. This forms the creamy base for your chicken divan recipe.
Step 4: Stir 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish. Make sure everything is well coated with the delicious chicken divan recipe sauce.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are moistened.
Step 6: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a wonderfully crispy topping for your chicken divan recipe.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let your chicken divan recipe rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Store any leftovers in Basics Glass Food Storage containers.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of curry powder to your sauce mixture. This is a common addition in many traditional chicken divan recipes and adds a lovely warmth. Ensure your broccoli is not overcooked before baking, as it will continue to cook in the oven. For meal prep, divide into individual portions and store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casseroles & Bakes
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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