Chicken Diven
A comforting casserole combining tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy soup, perfect for family dinners or church gatherings with hearty flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line the bottom of a greased pan with cooked, cut-up chicken.
- In a large pan, heat the Cream of Chicken soup, Pet Milk, oleo, and chicken broth until well combined.
- In a large bowl, mix together the packages of stuffing with spices.
- Pour the soup mixture over the stuffing and mix well.
- Spoon the stuffing mixture over the chicken in the pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you're out of oleo, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. You can also experiment with different stuffing mixes, such as cornbread or herb varieties, for a unique twist. This recipe is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Diven with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Hearty Rice Casserole for a comforting dinner spread. For a bit of crunch, consider adding a side of garlic bread or a crispy green bean almondine to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally, until hot. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Diven contains roughly 412 calories, with 11g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1364mg per serving (59% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving, ideally reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. You may also want to bake the dish longer to ensure the chicken cooks through and remains tender.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and opt for a vegetable-based stuffing mix. This will create a delicious vegetarian version that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Diven a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. When you're ready to serve, simply remove it from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and bake as directed.
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).