Chicken Divan Recipe
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Chicken Divan Recipe
Making Chicken Divan at home brings a touch of restaurant-quality elegance to your dinner table with surprisingly simple steps. This classic Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce, resulting in a comforting baked dish that’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. I’ll guide you through the professional techniques that guarantee perfect results every time, ensuring your Broccoli Chicken Bake is a show-stopping success.
A Cozy Classic You’ll Master
- Restaurant-Quality Results – Learn the chef techniques for a perfectly creamy sauce and tender chicken that rivals any bistro.
- Organized, Mise en Place Approach – My systematic method keeps prep efficient, turning this Cheesy Chicken Dish into a stress-free experience.
- Incredibly Versatile – Easily adapt the ingredients for a lighter version or to use what you have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort – This Baked Chicken Recipe is a guaranteed hit for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals.
What You’ll Need for Your Chicken Divan
For the Chicken and Broccoli
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless for even cooking and easy slicing. Pound them to an even thickness for the best results.
- Broccoli Florets – Fresh broccoli provides the best texture and vibrant color; steam until just tender-crisp.
- Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper – For seasoning and searing the chicken to golden perfection.
For the Cream Sauce
- Butter and Flour – The base of your roux, which will thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Whole Milk and Chicken Broth – Combining these creates a rich yet balanced liquid for the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese and Mayonnaise – Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor, while mayo contributes to the incredible creaminess.
- Lemon Juice and Curry Powder – The chef’s secret! A touch of each adds a subtle depth that elevates the entire dish.
For the Cheesy Topping
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Creates that signature golden, bubbly topping everyone loves.
Your Chicken Divan Timeline: Organized and Efficient
Good news for your weeknight schedule: this Creamy Chicken Divan comes together in about 70 minutes from start to finish. With just 25 minutes of active prep time, you can have everything in place before the oven does the rest of the work for about 45 minutes. This hands-off baking time is perfect for whipping up a simple side salad or setting the table.
Compared to more complex Baked Chicken Recipes, this timeline is very manageable. The key is the organized approach. By prepping your ingredients before you start cooking, the process flows smoothly from stovetop to oven. For another fantastic meal with a similar efficient timeline, check out my smothered chicken.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
As a chef, I believe everyone should be able to enjoy comforting classics. This Chicken Divan recipe can be easily adapted for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For those monitoring their sugar intake, the recipe is naturally low in added sugar, making it a great option for a balanced meal.
For a lower-glycemic version, you can use a sugar-free mayonnaise alternative and ensure your chicken broth has no added sugars. Portion control is another excellent strategy for glycemic management; serving this rich casserole with a large portion of non-starchy vegetables like a green salad creates a very satisfying and blood sugar-friendly plate.
My Pro Tips for a Flawless Chicken Divan
After years in professional kitchens, I’ve refined a few techniques that make all the difference in this Chicken Casserole. These tips will help you achieve that perfect restaurant-quality result right at home.
- Flavor Swap: For a different twist, try substituting half the cheddar with Gruyère cheese. It adds a wonderfully nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the broccoli. If you love cheesy dishes, you’ll appreciate the techniques in my cheesy loaded meatloaf.
- Diet Tweak: To make this dish lighter, use a low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious because of the roux base.
- Texture Fix: Avoid soggy broccoli by steaming it only until bright green and tender-crisp. It will finish cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking it initially is a chef’s secret.
- Storage Tip: This casserole reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F for the best texture. For another great make-ahead option, explore my cottage pie recipe.
Chicken Divan
Make classic Chicken Divan with this easy recipe featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce. Perfect comfort food ready in just 70 minutes.
Equipment
- oven
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- large skillet
- knife
- cutting board
- steamer basket
- saucepan
- whisk
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and black pepper, then heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1-inch pieces.
- Steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, then drain thoroughly and arrange in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute until smooth and bubbly; gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
- Arrange the sliced chicken over the broccoli in the baking dish, pour the sauce evenly over the top, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown on top.
Notes
Let the chicken rest before slicing for juicier results.
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Chicken Divan
This comforting Chicken Divan isn’t just delicious; it’s also a nourishing meal. Chicken breast provides a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. The broccoli contributes a significant amount of fiber, vitamins C and K, making this a well-rounded Broccoli Chicken Bake.
When prepared as directed, this dish is a good source of calcium from the dairy. To boost the nutritional profile even further, you could add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach. For another nutrient-packed meal, my stuffed bell peppers are always a hit. You can learn more about the health benefits of broccoli from reputable sources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. If you enjoy creamy dishes, the sauce in this recipe shares a similar comforting quality with my creamy vegetable casserole.
Creating a Lighter Version of This Dish
If you’re looking for a lighter take on this classic, a few simple swaps can reduce the fat and calorie content while maintaining great flavor. Use a heart-healthy oil like avocado oil for searing the chicken. For the sauce, swap the whole milk for 2% or even skim milk, and use a light mayonnaise.
You can also increase the vegetable content by adding layers of fresh spinach or sliced zucchini to pack in more nutrients and fiber. These adjustments make this Cheesy Chicken Dish a fantastic option for those seeking a balanced meal.
How to Serve Your Chicken Divan for a Beautiful Presentation
I love serving this Chicken Divan straight from the baking dish at the table—the golden, bubbly cheese topping is always a sight to behold. For a complete meal, I pair it with something simple that doesn’t compete with the rich flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce are my go-to choices.
For a heartier spread, it pairs wonderfully with a simple creamy pasta side or some fluffy rice. If you’re planning a larger feast, this casserole complements other comfort food classics like my hearty chicken stew.
Common Chicken Divan Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them)
Even experienced cooks can run into a few pitfalls with a Creamy Chicken Divan. Let’s troubleshoot the most common issues to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly.
Why is my sauce too thin? This usually happens if the roux isn’t cooked long enough before adding the liquid. Make sure to whisk the flour and butter for a full minute until it’s bubbly. Also, ensure your sauce thickens sufficiently on the stovetop—it should coat the back of a spoon—before assembling the bake.
How can I prevent watery casserole? The main culprit is often the broccoli. Be sure to drain it thoroughly after steaming. Patting it dry with a paper towel can help remove excess moisture that would otherwise seep out during baking.
Why is my chicken dry? Overcooking the chicken breasts initially is the issue. Cook them just until they reach 165°F internally, then let them rest before slicing. They will cook a bit more in the oven, so slightly undercooking them is a good strategy. For more tips on juicy chicken, see my guide for honey garlic chicken thighs. You can find excellent internal temperature guides from resources like FoodSafety.gov. I also recommend checking techniques from my Moroccan chicken for more flavor inspiration.
How to Store and Reheat Your Leftovers
This Chicken Divan makes fantastic leftovers. Once cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing individual portions for easy reheating.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then, bake at 350°F in an oven-safe dish until heated through. This method helps maintain the best texture, unlike microwaving, which can make the sauce separate. The flavors often meld and become even more delicious the next day!
Try This Chicken Divan Recipe for a Cozy Night In
I encourage you to try this Chicken Divan recipe. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary Tuesday into something special. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli is a timeless comfort that never fails to please a crowd.
Once you master this recipe, you’ll have a go-to Baked Chicken Recipe for potlucks, family dinners, or whenever you need a reliable dose of comfort. If you enjoy this style of cooking, you might also love my chicken parmesan or my rich and comforting chicken pot pie soup. For a different flavor profile, my black pepper chicken offers a deliciously peppery kick. And for a vegetarian creamy option, my spinach manicotti is always a winner. I know you’ll love this classic Chicken Divan as much as my family does.
More Cozy Casserole Recipes You’ll Adore
If this Chicken Divan has you in the mood for more baked comfort food, you’re in the right place. Here are a few more of my favorite recipes that deliver maximum coziness with minimal fuss.
- Creamy Mac and Cheese – The ultimate side dish or vegetarian main, with an incredibly smooth cheese sauce.
- Creamy Lamb Curry – A wonderfully aromatic and rich curry that’s perfect for a special weekend dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Divan made of?
Traditional Chicken Divan is made with cooked chicken, broccoli, a creamy sauce (often a mornay sauce with cheese), and a cheesy topping. The sauce typically includes ingredients like butter, flour, milk, broth, Parmesan, and sometimes mayonnaise or sour cream for extra richness, all baked together until bubbly.
Why is it called Chicken Divan?
The dish is named after the Divan Parisien Restaurant, located in the New York City Chatham Hotel. It was created in the early 20th century and became a classic American comfort food, known for its elegant yet comforting combination of chicken and broccoli in a creamy sauce.
Can I use frozen broccoli in Chicken Divan?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. There’s no need to thaw it first. Simply add the frozen florets directly to the recipe, but you may need to extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure the broccoli is tender and the casserole is heated through completely.
How do you keep Chicken Divan from getting watery?
To prevent a watery Chicken Divan, ensure your broccoli is thoroughly drained and patted dry after steaming. Also, make sure your cream sauce is properly thickened on the stovetop before assembling the casserole. A good, thick sauce will help absorb any residual moisture during baking.
