Curried Chicken Divan
Creamy curried chicken divan combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a flavorful sauce with cheese and curry, ideal for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken with celery, onion, and bay leaf until done.
- Cut cooked chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Mix cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, grated cheese, lemon juice, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place cooked broccoli in the bottom of a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the broccoli.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier twist. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the curry powder or swap it for a blend like garam masala. To enhance the dish, add toasted almonds or cashews for a crunchy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Curried Chicken Divan pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed rice to balance the rich flavors. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside crusty bread or a light quinoa salad. A touch of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the dish before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Curried Chicken Divan contains roughly 399 calories, with 23g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1083mg per serving (47% 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before layering it in the casserole to avoid excess moisture. This will help maintain the texture of the dish without making it too watery.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with a mix of hearty vegetables such as mushrooms and bell peppers, or use chickpeas for protein. You can also replace the cream of chicken soup with a vegetable equivalent to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add the cheese and paprika topping before baking. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
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).