Classic Chicken Divan(A Dish That Is A Meal In Itself)
A creamy, hearty chicken and broccoli casserole with a rich sauce, topped with Parmesan, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering comforting flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 2 bunches fresh broccoli or 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen broccoli ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup light cream ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons sherry cooking wine ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 3 whole chicken breasts, cooked, boned, and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook broccoli in boiling salted water; drain.
- Melt butter; blend in flour.
- Add chicken broth, stirring until thick.
- Stir in cream, sherry, salt, and pepper.
- Place broccoli crosswise in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Pour half the sauce over broccoli; top with sliced cooked chicken breasts.
- Add Parmesan cheese to the remaining sauce; pour over chicken.
- Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Broil until sauce is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using heavy cream instead of light cream. You can also substitute the sherry cooking wine with white wine or omit it for a kid-friendly version. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut. For extra flavor, add garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Classic Chicken Divan with a side of fluffy rice or a light salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Bean And Broccoli Soup for a comforting dinner. You can also top with additional Parmesan or serve with crusty bread for a more filling feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Classic Chicken Divan(A Dish That Is A Meal In Itself) contains roughly 466 calories, with 10g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 997mg per serving (43% 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 frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well and is a great time-saver. Just be sure to thaw and drain it properly before adding it to the dish to prevent excess moisture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Classic Chicken Divan gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your chicken broth and any other added ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).