Chicken Divan is a classic casserole dish known for its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli. Originally created at the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City in the early 20th century, it has since become a staple comfort food in American households. This dish offers an elegant yet straightforward meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step process for making a delicious chicken divan, provide valuable cooking tips, and suggest creative variations to elevate your dish.
What is Chicken Divan?
At its core, Chicken Divan is a baked casserole that layers cooked chicken and broccoli, smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with cheese, butter, and sometimes a splash of wine. The dish is topped with breadcrumbs or more cheese for added texture and flavor. While many versions include shortcuts like cream of chicken soup, we’ll explore both traditional and modern methods to create a Chicken Divan that’s both flavorful and easy to make.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Divan
- Chicken: Typically cooked, shredded, or cubed chicken breast, though thighs can be used for added flavor.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets form the vegetable base of the dish.
- Creamy Sauce: A combination of cream, cheese, and often mayonnaise or sour cream for richness.
- Cheese: Cheddar is common, but Gruyère or Parmesan can also be used for a sharper flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (Optional): Added on top for a crispy texture.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard for extra depth.
Choosing the Best Chicken for Your Divan
When making Chicken Divan, the type of chicken you use will influence the dish’s overall flavor and texture. Most recipes call for cooked chicken breasts, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience or chicken thighs for added richness. If you have leftover chicken from a previous meal, this is an excellent way to use it up.
Real-Life Example: I often prepare Chicken Divan when I have leftover roasted chicken from Sunday dinner. It’s a great way to repurpose ingredients and create a whole new meal with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Chicken Divan Recipe
Here’s a traditional Chicken Divan recipe, complete with practical tips to ensure success every time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Gruyère for extra depth)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream for a tangier flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli
Start by cooking your chicken. If using raw chicken breasts, season them with salt and pepper, then sauté them in a pan with olive oil over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred the meat and set it aside.
Tip: For extra flavor, cook the chicken with a splash of white wine or chicken broth. This keeps the meat juicy and enhances the depth of flavor in the casserole.
Steam or blanch the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until it’s bright green and tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or Gruyère) and stir until melted and smooth.
Practical Tip: If you prefer a more intense cheese flavor, you can use a combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan. The Parmesan adds a nutty, salty bite that complements the richness of the sauce.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the broccoli and chicken, evenly distributing them across the bottom. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the top, ensuring everything is well coated.
Real-Life Example: I like to mix the chicken and broccoli with the sauce in a bowl before transferring it to the baking dish. This ensures that each bite is evenly coated with the rich sauce.
4. Add the Topping
If you’re using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the top of the casserole for added crunch. You can also top the dish with the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheese for a gooey, melty finish.
Tip: For an extra-crispy topping, toss the breadcrumbs in a little melted butter before sprinkling them on the casserole. This creates a golden-brown crust that’s irresistible.
5. Bake and Serve
Bake the Chicken Divan for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Practical Tip: Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the sauce set, ensuring that each serving holds together well.
Practical Tips for Perfect Chicken Divan
Use Fresh Broccoli for Optimal Texture
While frozen broccoli is convenient, fresh broccoli provides a better texture and flavor in Chicken Divan. If using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Chicken Divan is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed.
To freeze Chicken Divan, assemble the dish and allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.
Real-Life Example: I often prepare Chicken Divan in double batches—one for dinner and one to freeze. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights when I don’t have time to cook from scratch.
Add a Twist with Extra Veggies
While broccoli is the traditional vegetable used in Chicken Divan, you can easily add or substitute other veggies. Mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach, or peas make great additions that enhance both flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with Cheese
The type of cheese you use can completely change the flavor profile of the dish. While cheddar is classic, Gruyère or fontina add a creamy, nutty depth that pairs wonderfully with the chicken and broccoli. For a sharper bite, try using a bit of blue cheese or goat cheese.
Variations on Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan is a versatile dish that can be adapted in many ways. Here are a few creative variations to try:
1. Lighter Chicken Divan
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use Greek yogurt or light sour cream instead of mayonnaise. This reduces the fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
2. Keto Chicken Divan
For a keto-friendly version, skip the breadcrumbs and replace the mayonnaise with a full-fat, sugar-free option. You can also add extra cheese and use cauliflower in place of the broccoli for a low-carb vegetable alternative.
3. Chicken Divan with Rice
Some variations of Chicken Divan include a layer of cooked rice in the casserole. Adding rice makes the dish more filling and turns it into a complete one-pot meal. Simply mix in 2 cups of cooked rice with the chicken and broccoli before adding the sauce.
Tip: For extra flavor, use a wild rice blend or jasmine rice for a fragrant twist.
4. Spicy Chicken Divan
To spice things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
Pairing Chicken Divan with Sides
Chicken Divan is a rich and hearty dish, so it pairs well with lighter, simpler side dishes to balance out the meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Green Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Lightly roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus provide a healthy, flavorful complement to the dish.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Divan
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Divan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce from drying out.
Reheating Instructions for Chicken Divan
To maintain the creamy texture and delicious flavors of Chicken Divan, it’s important to reheat it properly. Here are the best ways to reheat your dish:
1. Oven Reheating (Best for maintaining texture)
The oven is the best method for reheating Chicken Divan, as it helps preserve the creamy sauce and prevents the dish from becoming soggy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Chicken Divan in an oven-safe dish. If reheating a full casserole, cover it with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
- Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream to the casserole before covering, to keep the sauce from drying out.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. If you want a crispier topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
- Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve.
2. Microwave Reheating (Quick but can make the sauce thinner)
The microwave is a faster option but can cause the sauce to become a little watery.
- Place a portion of Chicken Divan on a microwave-safe plate.
- Add a small splash of broth or milk to the dish to keep the sauce moist.
- Cover the dish loosely with a microwave-safe cover or paper towel.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking after 1 minute to stir and ensure even heating.
- Heat until the center is warm, and the sauce is bubbly, usually 2-3 minutes total depending on your microwave.
3. Stovetop Reheating (Best for individual portions)
If you’re reheating individual portions, the stovetop can work well to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
- Place a small amount of Chicken Divan in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add a splash of broth, milk, or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
- Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the dish is warmed through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Tip: No matter which method you use, avoid overcooking when reheating, as this can cause the chicken to become dry and the sauce to break.
By following these steps, your reheated Chicken Divan will taste just as delicious as when it was first made!