Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish that typically features tender chicken and broccoli baked in a creamy sauce, often made with a combination of cheese and a hint of curry powder for flavor. It’s a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for family meals or potlucks.
Key Features of Chicken Divan:
- Ingredients: The dish generally includes cooked chicken, broccoli (or another green vegetable), a creamy sauce (usually made with mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, or cheese), and cheese for topping.
- Flavor Profile: The addition of curry powder adds a unique warmth and depth of flavor to the creamy sauce.
- Easy to Prepare: It can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it convenient for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Basic Recipe Overview
- Cook Chicken: Poach or roast chicken until fully cooked, then shred or cube it.
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli until slightly tender.
- Make Sauce: Combine cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, cheese, and curry powder in a bowl.
- Combine: Mix chicken, broccoli, and sauce together, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle with additional cheese or breadcrumbs, then bake until bubbly and golden.
Classic Chicken Divan Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 tsp curry powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk (optional, for thinning the sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it until just tender. If using frozen, cook according to package instructions and drain.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, curry powder (if using), and milk (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and sauce mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top and Bake: If desired, sprinkle additional shredded cheese and breadcrumbs on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it as a hearty main dish!
Enjoy!
Chicken Divan is a comforting dish that pairs well with rice, noodles, or a side salad, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion!