Chicken Divan

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is one of those cozy dishes that wraps you in a comforting hug. This recipe takes a classic comfort food and gives it a healthier spin, making it perfect for family gatherings or a busy weeknight dinner. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness, all while sneaking in those nutritious broccoli florets. Plus, it’s so easy to whip together! Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, this dish is sure to please. Friends and family will be coming back for seconds, and you’ll enjoy how simple it is to prepare. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started making this delightful Chicken Divan together!

What is a Chicken Divan

Historical Background of Chicken Divan

The origins of Chicken Divan are a bit murky, but it’s believed to have roots in a 1890s New York City restaurant called the Divan Parisien. The dish likely got its name from the establishment, where it was an elegant combination of chicken, broccoli, and a rich sauce. Over the years, it has evolved and become a staple in many American homes, particularly as a casserole dish perfect for gatherings.

Traditional Ingredients and Variations

Traditionally, Chicken Divan shines with a rich, creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, cheese, and often sherry or white wine. It commonly features tender chicken and broccoli, which are just perfect together. While you can find many variations over the years, some popular twists include adding mushrooms, peas, or even swapping in brown rice or quinoa for extra heartiness.

How It Became a Staple in American Cuisine

Chicken Divan quickly made a name for itself as a comforting classic in American cuisine. Its combination of flavors and easy preparation made it a go-to recipe for family dinners and potlucks. Through the decades, it has continued to grace tables across the country, loved for both its taste and versatility.

Ingredients for Chicken Divan

For a delicious Chicken Divan, gather these ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs broccoli florets (3 large heads, chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• Olive oil spray
• 2 tablespoons light mayo
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each)
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• ¼ cup shallots or onion, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour (like Cup4Cup)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 2 ounces dry sherry (or white wine)
• 6 ounces reduced-fat Swiss cheese, shredded or finely chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs (or gluten-free crumbs)

With everything ready to go, it’s time to bring your Chicken Divan to life!

Preparing Your Chicken Divan

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s preheat your oven to 350°F. While that’s warming up, grab a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and grease it with olive oil spray. This step helps ensure your dish comes out easily and doesn’t stick.

Sauté the Broccoli

Now, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and toss in the crushed garlic. Sauté that for about 30 seconds to bring out its delicious aroma. After that, add the broccoli, a pinch of kosher salt, and a tablespoon of water. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for about 3 minutes until it’s tender-crisp. Once done, transfer it to the greased baking dish to create a lovely bed for your chicken.

Prepare the Chicken

Next up is the chicken! To ensure even cooking, take those chicken breasts and pound the thicker ends a bit. This step will help everything cook uniformly. Brush the light mayo over the chicken pieces and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. In the same skillet you used for the broccoli, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for roughly 5 minutes on each side until it’s almost cooked through. Then, let it cool a bit before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Sauce

With your chicken sliced, let’s move on to the sauce. Keep the skillet on medium heat, adding the butter along with the remaining olive oil until melted. Toss in the minced shallots and let them cook until tender, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Now, sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, fat-free milk, and sherry. Bring everything to a gentle simmer on low heat for about 1.5 minutes. Finally, remove it from heat and stir in half of the Swiss cheese until it’s melty and creamy.

Assemble the Dish

Let’s bring it all together! Pour half of that luscious sauce over the sautéed broccoli and gently mix to coat. Next, arrange your sliced chicken over the broccoli and drench it with the remaining sauce. Top it off with the rest of the Swiss cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and the seasoned breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. A light spritz with olive oil on top adds that extra touch!

Bake to Perfection

Place your assembled dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until everything is heated through and the top turns golden brown. The aroma will surely fill your kitchen and have everyone eager to dig in!

Serving Suggestions

To make your Chicken Divan meal even more delightful, consider these serving suggestions:

• Pair it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread.
• Enjoy a crisp white wine alongside for a refreshing contrast.
• This dish also makes excellent leftovers, so feel free to whip up a double batch for meal prep!

Tips for Success

A few tips can ensure your Chicken Divan turns out perfectly every time:

• For the best flavor, use fresh broccoli.
• Be careful not to overcook the chicken. It’ll finish cooking in the oven, and you want it juicy!
• Remember to season liberally with salt and pepper for the most flavor.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations you can try with your dish:

• Add cooked quinoa or brown rice for an exciting texture.
• Switch out chicken for turkey or even rotisserie chicken in a pinch.
• Mix in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach to boost the nutrition!

FAQs

1. Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

2. Can I freeze Chicken Divan?
Yes, this dish freezes wonderfully. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

3. Is Chicken Divan healthy?
This recipe features light mayo and reduced-fat cheese, making it a healthier choice than traditional recipes.

4. Can I substitute the cheese?
Of course! Feel free to swap in any cheese you love, like cheddar or mozzarella.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Chicken Divan is not just a dish; it’s a cozy meal that warms the heart. With layers of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich sauce, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck invitation, this recipe is sure to impress. So why not try making it today? You’ll love the flavors, and everyone will be asking for more!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner ideas Recipes:

• Cream Of Mushroom Chicken
• Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Potatoes
• Pioneer Woman Corned Beef Hash
• Breakfast Skillet

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chicken Divan

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Chicken Divan is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy sauce. It’s a delightful option for family dinners or potlucks, offering both ease of preparation and satisfaction.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs broccoli florets (3 large heads, chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• Olive oil spray
• 2 tablespoons light mayo
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each)
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• ¼ cup shallots or onion, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour (like Cup4Cup)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 2 ounces dry sherry (or white wine)
• 6 ounces reduced-fat Swiss cheese, shredded or finely chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs (or gluten-free crumbs)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
• Sauté garlic in olive oil, add broccoli, salt, and steam until tender-crisp.
• Prepare chicken by pounding thick ends, brush with mayo, and season.
• Cook chicken in the same skillet until almost fully cooked, then slice.
• Make sauce with butter, olive oil, shallots, flour, chicken broth, milk, and sherry.
• Pour sauce over broccoli in the baking dish, layer chicken, and pour remaining sauce.
• Top with Swiss cheese, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs, spritz with olive oil.
• Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor.
Avoid overcooking chicken, as it will finish in the oven.
Season liberally with salt and pepper for optimal taste.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2
• Sodium: 550
• Fat: 12
• Saturated Fat: 4
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 36
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 26
• Cholesterol: 70