Broccoli And Chicken Divan
Creamy Chicken Divan combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a flavorful curry-infused sauce topped with cheese, making a comforting and versatile dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken in salted water until tender.
- Cut cooked chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Cook broccoli in salted water for 5 minutes and drain.
- Make sauce by combining cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder, and lemon juice.
- In an oblong casserole, layer the cooked broccoli.
- Add a layer of chicken on top of the broccoli.
- Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice and curry powder before boiling. If you prefer fresh broccoli, use about 1.5 pounds and blanch it for 2-3 minutes instead of using frozen. You can also replace the Cheddar cheese with Gruyère for a different taste. This dish pairs beautifully with Aunt Jessie Miller's Goulash for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Broccoli and Chicken Divan hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. This dish goes well with a side of rice or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a comforting meal, pair it with classic American recipes like Chicken and Rice Deluxe.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but this may affect the texture of the cheese topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Chicken Divan contains roughly 381 calories, with 24g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 790mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just blanch about 1.5 pounds of fresh florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before draining and adding to the casserole. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crunch.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
To lighten the recipe, consider using low-fat cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise, which will add creaminess while cutting down on calories and fat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's chilled.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).