simple chicken divan recipe

simple chicken divan recipe

The Best simple chicken divan recipe

I’ve been making chicken divan for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to please. My family loves it, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The dish is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, and its name is thought to be derived from the word ‘divan,’ which refers to a type of Middle Eastern or South Asian-style rice dish.

The original recipe called for chicken, peas, carrots, onions, and a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise and sour cream. Over time, I’ve modified the recipe to suit my family’s tastes and dietary needs, but the basic concept remains the same. One of the things I love about chicken divan is how easy it is to make.

Simply sauté some chicken and vegetables in butter, then mix them with cooked rice, mayonnaise, and sour cream. The result is a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite of the dish. I often serve chicken divan at family gatherings or potlucks because it’s easy to feed a crowd and can be made ahead of time.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this recipe. They get to crack eggs into a bowl and stir the sauce until it’s smooth and creamy. It’s a fun activity that teaches them about measurements and mixing ingredients together.

Plus, they always enjoy eating the finished product! Chicken divan is also a great way to get my kids to eat more vegetables. I like adding different types of vegetables to the dish, such as frozen peas, carrots, and diced onions.

My kids don’t even notice they’re eating veggies because they’re so well hidden in the sauce. As an added bonus, this recipe is relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods. The mayonnaise adds some extra calories, but overall, chicken divan is a nutritious meal option that can be made with minimal fat and added sugars.

Simple Chicken Divan

Simple Chicken Divan

4.6 from 828 votes

A classic casserole of tender chicken and broccoli in a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. This easy dish comes together quickly and is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter
Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat, then add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
3Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
4In the same pot, add the chicken breasts and cover with water.
5Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
6Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
7In a mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder until smooth.
8Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9Spread the cooked broccoli evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
10Top with the shredded chicken, then pour the sauce mixture over everything, spreading it into an even layer.
11Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
12In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
13Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
14Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
15Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat mayonnaise and cream of chicken soup. You can also substitute fresh or frozen broccoli; if using frozen, thaw and drain well before adding.

Watch Video Of How Simple Chicken Divan Works

This simple chicken divan recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is reliable and loved by many. It works well for family gatherings since it can be doubled easily and everyone goes back for seconds.

I recommend storing leftovers in the fridge and reheating them in the oven to keep the topping crisp. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to three months.

For serving, pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. This dish is a true comfort food classic that I am happy to share with you.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Divan

Q: What is chicken divan?

Chicken divan is a simple casserole made with chicken, rice, peas, carrots, onions, mayonnaise, sour cream, and sometimes chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Q: How do I make chicken divan?

To make chicken divan, sauté diced chicken and chopped vegetables in butter until they’re lightly browned.

Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?

Sure! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly well in this recipe.

Q: How long does it take to make chicken divan?

The prep time for this recipe is about 20 minutes.

Q: Can I serve chicken divan at room temperature?

Yes! Chicken divan can be served at room temperature or even cold.

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