Daniel'S Chicken Divan
A comforting baked chicken dish with broccoli, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and bread crumbs—perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 cups cooked, cut-up chicken ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 large bunch broccoli, cut up and cooked ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Arrange the cooked, cut-up chicken in a 12 x 8 x 2-inch dish.
- Combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, and sliced mushrooms in a large bowl and set aside.
- Spread the cooked broccoli evenly over the chicken in the dish.
- Pour the mushroom mixture over the broccoli and chicken.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Melt the butter and mix it with the soft bread crumbs.
- Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier twist. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of soft bread crumbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Divan with a side of fluffy rice or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Oven Crispy Chicken for a comforting dinner spread. For a simple dessert, consider serving a light fruit salad or sorbet to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will keep the topping crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Daniel'S Chicken Divan contains roughly 519 calories, with 17g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 884mg per serving (38% 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 use frozen broccoli for convenience. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish to prevent excess moisture. This will help maintain the dish's texture and flavor.
What can I do if I don't have cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can make a homemade version using a roux of butter, flour, and milk, seasoned with chicken broth and spices. This will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
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).