Chicken Divan

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm casserole full of tender chicken, bright broccoli, and a velvety sauce—this is exactly what you get with Chicken Divan. It’s creamy, indulgent, and somehow both classic and homey. Whether you’re plating it for a cozy weeknight or serving it to guests, this dish never disappoints.

Behind the Recipe

My first memory of Chicken Divan comes from a lunch potluck where someone brought a gleaming white casserole dish packed with green broccoli, white sauce, browned golden edges—everyone seemed excited to dig in. I was curious why something so humble felt so elevated. Turns out, this dish has a bit of glamour in its background. So now, when I make it, I feel like I’m resurrecting a dinner‑party classic for our everyday table.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Chicken Divan was originally served at the Divan Parisien, a fine‑dining restaurant located in the :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} in New York City. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} According to culinary historians, the chef (often credited as Anthony Lagasi) kept the original recipe under wraps. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} It grew in popularity especially in the 1950s, when casseroles were the heart of home cooking, and Chicken Divan earned its place as a comforting yet “fancy enough” dinner. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Why You’ll Love Chicken Divan

• Crowd‑pleaser with ease: It’s layered with chicken and broccoli under a luscious sauce—simple but satisfying.
• Kitchen‑friendly: You can make many of its components ahead of time or repurpose leftover chicken.
• Customizable: Prefer less cream? Use Greek yogurt. Want more veggies? Add mushrooms or cauliflower.
• Full‑meal feel: With chicken (protein), broccoli (vegetable), and sauce (comfort), it’s almost a full meal on its own.
• Great for leftovers & next‑day lunches: The sauce thickens slightly as it rests and reheats beautifully.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Don’t overcook the broccoli: It should still have a bit of bite when you add it, so it doesn’t turn mushy in the oven.
2. Use good quality cheese (especially if topping with Parmesan) so it melts evenly and adds flavor.
3. Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so it sets and slices cleanly.
4. Lightly brown or toast the breadcrumb or cheese topping under the broiler for extra texture (if using).
5. Season the sauce generously, but taste as you go—chicken broth, cheese and butter all carry salt.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• A large skillet or sauté pan (to cook chicken and make sauce)
• A 9×13‑inch baking dish (or equivalent casserole dish)
• A medium saucepan or skillet for blanching broccoli (optional)
• A mixing bowl and spatula to combine
• Oven mitts & timer—for safety and precision

Ingredients for Chicken Divan

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs), cooked and cut into bite‑sized pieces
• Broccoli florets (about 4 cups lightly steamed)
• Butter (2–3 tablespoons)
• Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• All‑purpose flour (2–3 tablespoons)
• Chicken broth (1½ cups)
• Heavy cream or milk (½–1 cup, depending on richness)
• Sharp cheddar cheese (1½ cups shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated)
• Lemon juice (1 teaspoon)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Breadcrumbs or panko for topping, curry powder or nutmeg for a flavor twist

Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken: Use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.
• Cream: Swap heavy cream for half‑and‑half or whole milk for a lighter version.
• Broccoli: Green beans, asparagus, or cauliflower make fine alternatives.
• Cheese: Swap cheddar for Gruyère or mozzarella for milder flavor.
• Topping: Instead of breadcrumbs, use crushed crackers or toasted almonds for crunch.

Instructions for Making Chicken Divan

1. Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cook the chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Sauté briefly until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Blanch the broccoli: Quickly steam or boil broccoli until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly. Sprinkle flour, stir to combine. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a simmer until thickened. Stir in cheddar until melted. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the casserole: Spread broccoli in the bottom of the baking dish, layer in chicken, then pour sauce evenly over top. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese (and optional breadcrumbs) on the surface.
6. Bake: Place in oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and topping is lightly golden.
7. Finish & serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Chicken Divan delights because of its layered textures—from the tender chicken to the slightly crisp broccoli, to the creamy sauce and golden topping. Flavor‑wise the tang from the cheese, brightness from lemon, and subtle savory notes from the sauce all come together in harmony.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• If you’re using frozen broccoli, thaw and pat dry so excess water doesn’t dilute the sauce.
• For deeper flavor, add a splash of sherry or white wine to the sauce.
• If the sauce seems too thin before baking, reduce on the stove for a minute or two.
• To get a crisp topping, switch oven to broil for the last 2 minutes—watch closely!

What to Avoid

• Avoid overcooking broccoli ahead of time—it will collapse during baking.
• Don’t skip seasoning the sauce; bland sauce ruins the whole dish.
• Avoid filling the baking dish too full—it may overflow or not cook evenly.
• Don’t skip the rest period after baking—sauce cools slightly and sets better.

Nutrition Facts (approximate, per serving)

Servings: 6
Calories: ~380
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Protein: 30 g
(Values will vary depending on specific ingredients and portions.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Make‑Ahead and Storage Tips

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

How to Serve Chicken Divan

Serve it straight from the baking dish with a scoop of creamy sauce and broccoli. Pair with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up every bit. A crisp salad and glass of white wine don’t hurt either.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Repurpose leftover Chicken Divan into a sandwich by layering inside crusty bread.
• Mix leftover slices into scrambled eggs for a decadent breakfast.
• Turn leftovers into a pasta bake by mixing with cooked penne and baking until golden.

Additional Tips

For a lighter version, replace half the cream with Greek yogurt and reduce butter by 1 tablespoon. If you prefer extra crunch, add toasted almond slivers on top just before serving.

Variations to Try

• Curry Chicken Divan: Add 1 teaspoon mild curry powder to the sauce for a warm spice note.
• Mushroom Chicken Divan: Add sautéed mushrooms and swap broccoli for spinach.
• Tex‑Mex Chicken Divan: Use shredded chicken, add chili powder, corn, and top with tortilla strips.
• Seafood Divan: Substitute chicken with white fish or shrimp for a coastal twist.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A1: Yes, but thaw fully and drain well before layering.
Q2: Can I make it gluten‑free?
A2: Yes, use gluten‑free flour or cornstarch in the sauce and skip breadcrumbs.
Q3: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
A3: Absolutely—that’s a great shortcut!
Q4: Is it okay to bake in a smaller dish?
A4: Yes, as long as the layers aren’t too deep and the dish fits the sauce.
Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes—assemble, cover tightly, freeze. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.
Q6: What kind of cheese works best?
A6: Sharp cheddar adds flavor, but Gouda or Swiss are great alternatives.
Q7: How do I know when it’s done?
A7: Sauce should be bubbling around the edges and topping lightly golden.
Q8: Can I skip the chicken stock?
A8: You can use water plus seasoning, but chicken stock boosts flavor significantly.
Q9: How do I keep the chicken moist?
A9: Don’t overcook the chicken before baking; finishing in the sauce during bake helps keep it moist.
Q10: Can I add more veggies?
A10: Yes—cauliflower, peas or chopped carrots work nicely too.

Conclusion

Chicken Divan is a timeless classic that brings together comfort, elegance, and simplicity all in one dish. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and green broccoli, it feels special enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

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