Try this delicious and easy chicken divan recipe. The classic casserole dish combines juicy chicken and crisp broccoli in a cheesy sauce.
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With its rich history from the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City to its creamy flavor, this classic dish is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. The chicken broccoli casserole always hits the spot, whether it's a meal for one or an intimate dinner for two.
Imagine tender chicken meat smothered in a signature creamy sauce, topped with golden breadcrumbs that add just the right amount of crunch. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering in anticipation.
So next time you're looking for a satisfying meal that combines creamy and cheesy goodness with customization options and balanced flavors, give our chicken divan recipe a try. It's sure to become one of your go-to dishes for any occasion!
Reasons to Love
- Creamy and Cheesy Goodness: Each bite of the chicken casserole is packed with a luscious creaminess that melts in your mouth. The dish is generously topped with melted cheese, creating a delightful combination that satisfies your cravings for comfort food.
- Easy Customization: One of the best things about chicken divan is its versatility. You have the freedom to customize it according to your preferences. Whether you prefer broccoli or cauliflower as the vegetable base or want to experiment with different types of cheese, this dish allows you to get creative in the kitchen.
- Balanced Combination: The chicken provides ample protein while the vegetables add freshness and nutrients. The rich sauce ties everything together, creating a harmonious balance that will leave you wanting more.
- Repurpose leftover chicken. This recipe is the perfect way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. You can also use meat left over from an air fryer Cornish hen or air-fried chicken legs.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few key ingredients. And, it doesn't rely on processed ingredients like canned cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom.
Here are the items you'll need for the casserole:
- fresh broccoli or frozen broccoli
- cooked chicken (or other poultry)
- butter
- all-purpose flour
- chicken broth
- milk
- sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- salt
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- cheddar cheese
- parmesan cheese
- panko breadcrumbs
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then spray a small (8 x 9 or 7x11 inch) baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large pot or skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until combined. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes bubbly and golden in color.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Follow by adding the milk, while stirring constantly to maintain a smooth consistency. Continue cooking the sauce until it thickens and starts bubbling.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream Dijon mustard, salt, garlic and onion powder, combining well.
Place broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Drain the broccoli to remove any excess water.
Add the broccoli and the chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Transfer the mixture from the skillet into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix together the cheese and bread crumbs.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and broccoli.
Bake until the cheese and bread crumbs turn golden brown and crispy, and the sauce is bubbling.
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Hint: Fresh broccoli is recommended because frozen broccoli tends to lose its crispness.
Variations
When it comes to Chicken Divan, there are several variations and substitutions that can be made to tailor the dish to your preferences or dietary restrictions.
One popular variation is adding different vegetables to the casserole. While the traditional dish typically includes broccoli, you can experiment with veggies like cauliflower, carrots, or peas for a unique twist.
You can substitute the chicken with other proteins, such as turkey or tofu, for a vegetarian option. The sour cream can also be swapped out with low-fat yogurt for less fat.
Another way to change up the flavors is by incorporating different sauces or seasonings. Instead of using the classic cream sauce, you could experiment with a cheese sauce or even a lemon-butter sauce like the one used in our lemon pepper wings. You can also try different spices and herbs like paprika, garlic powder, or thyme to enhance the overall taste profile.
Tips
Top tip: After taking the chicken divan out of the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the sauce time to set slightly, making it easier to spoon.
- Blanch the broccoli: Use fresh instead of frozen and blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes before adding it to the dish. This helps ensure the broccoli retains its color and texture in the casserole.
- Cook the chicken properly: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and steam them until they are tender and juicy if you aren't using leftovers.
- Don't overcook the casserole: Assemble the casserole with the sauce, chicken, and broccoli, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the chicken and broccoli mushy.
Serving suggestions
The creamy chicken casserole can be served with a side dish of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. This adds a contrasting flavor and helps soak up the dish's tasty sauce.
Another way to enhance the presentation is by garnishing the chicken divan with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This not only adds a pop of color but also gives a hint of freshness to the dish.
To further elevate the presentation, you can bake and serve it in individual portions using small ramekins or gratin dishes. This not only looks elegant but also allows for portion control and easy serving.
Storage
Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it. Divide the leftovers into individual portions or place it in an airtight container if you are storing the whole dish. If using individual portions, you can use freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag.
Chicken divan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a better option. Place the airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer and it should stay good for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before heating it thoroughly in the oven or microwave until piping hot throughout.
Related Recipes
Want a few more delicious chicken dinner recipes for one or two people? Check out some of these dishes too.
- Chicken chop suey is a delicious and satisfying meal idea.
- Pot pie casserole is a classic comfort food dish.
- Chinese pepper chicken is a flavorful and aromatic stir-fry.
- Baked chicken panko is a healthier alternative to fried chicken.
- Buffalo chicken bake combines tangy and spicy flavors.
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Recipe
Chicken Divan
Ingredients
- 5 oz broccoli cut into small florets
- 6 oz cooked chicken cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour use a little more if needed to thicken
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 8 x 9 inches baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until combined. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes bubbly and golden in color.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Follow by adding the milk, while stirring constantly to maintain a smooth consistency. Continue cooking the sauce until it thickens and starts bubbling.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream Dijon mustard, salt, garlic and onion powder, combining well.
- Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Drain the broccoli to remove any excess water.
- Add the partially cooked broccoli and the chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture from the skillet into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cheese and bread crumbs. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and broccoli.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese and bread crumbs turn golden brown and crispy, and the sauce is bubbling.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Lori
this is a very interesting way to make this
I learned how to make this many many years ago when I lived on a military base, from one of the other gals. I have long since
lost the recipe. but it wasn't a casserole . I keep looking for the original way I made it then.
thank you for your version.
Lisa MarcAurele
There are some skillet recipes but I've always baked mine in a casserole pan. Hope you find a recipe close to the one you lost!
Leigh Strain
If you have men to feed you may want to double the recipe. Super delicious. Add a throw back pear salad ( canned pears with shredded cheddar and dressing made with miracle whip and canned pear juice on a bed of lettuce).
Mayra Cosme
the thing I like about this recipe is that it doesn't have a lot of ingredients most of the ingredients you should have in your pantry and it takes less than an hour to prepare.
Mandy
I slow cook the chicken while at work and it takes me 15 minutes to prepare this meal at night when I get home because all you have to really cook is the sauce while the broccoli is steaming and my teenagers and husband couldn’t get enough of this meal. I couldn’t recommending enough for the flavor and for the
Bobbie
The ratio of flour to butter is not quite right. The sauce was way too thick. White sauces used in casseroles use equal amount of butter to flour. I would cut the flour down to 2 TBSP. The flavor was spot on. We used leftover rotisserie chicken and fresh broccoli. Really watch the cooking time so that the cheese doesn't burn. If you don't have panko, you could easily substitute regular bread crumbs, but maybe mixed with a little melted butter. I love ways to use rotisserie chicken and will be making this again.
Lisa MarcAurele
Thanks for the feedback! The original recipe called for 1/8 cup (2 tablespoons) so I've changed it to only 1 tablespoon (equal amount to butter) which a note to increase a little if needed to thicken.