Chicken Divan is a classic comfort food that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken divan at home, you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through a simple, foolproof recipe with tips to make your dish irresistibly tasty and satisfying.
What Is Chicken Divan?
Originally created at the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City, Chicken Divan has become a beloved casserole dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and wholesome ingredients. The dish typically features cooked chicken and broccoli in a smooth, cheesy sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb or cracker topping. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep because it’s hearty, comforting, and easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic Chicken Divan, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 yellow onion, diced
– 1 stalk celery, diced
– 4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
– ⅔ cup sour cream
– ½ cup milk
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon mustard powder
– 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
– For the topping: ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter
These ingredients combine to create a creamy, flavorful base with a crunchy topping that adds texture and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Divan
1. Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, diced onion, and celery. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for about 3 minutes until the chicken is halfway cooked. Then add the broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and broccoli is tender-crisp.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well until combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake Covered
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt nicely.
6. Add the Crunchy Topping and Finish Baking
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C). Mix the crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
7. Let It Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Divan pairs wonderfully with:
– Steamed white or brown rice
– Creamy mashed potatoes
– Buttery egg noodles
– Warm biscuits or crusty bread
For a lighter balance, a fresh green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole beautifully.
Tips for the Best Chicken Divan
– Use fresh broccoli: Blanching the broccoli briefly before cooking helps keep it bright green and crisp.
– Choose good-quality cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded.
– Don’t skip the topping: The buttery cracker or breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy filling.
– Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little kick.
– Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake it when ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Variations to Try
– Swap cheddar for Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
– Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
– Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
– Make a single-serving version if cooking for one.
Chicken Divan is a versatile and forgiving recipe that welcomes your personal twists.
Chicken Divan is a creamy, comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy sauce topped with a crunchy crust, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a classic casserole that’s both satisfying and delicious!