Do Ahead Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan features tender chicken and broccoli in a creamy, flavorful sauce, topped with cheese and paprika—perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz) package frozen broccoli spears ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp dry sherry
- 1/4 tsp curry powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine chicken and salt in a Dutch oven; add enough water to cover chicken.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover; reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until tender.
- Remove chicken and cool slightly.
- Bone chicken and chop.
- Cook broccoli according to package instructions; drain well.
- Arrange broccoli in a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Combine cream of mushroom or chicken soup with sour cream, mayonnaise, dry sherry, curry powder, and prepared mustard.
- Spoon half of the sauce over the broccoli.
- Place the chopped chicken over the broccoli and pour the remaining sauce over it.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 35 minutes.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and paprika.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of poaching your own. You can also substitute frozen broccoli with fresh if you prefer a crunchier texture. Adjust the curry powder according to your taste; if you enjoy a spicier flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. This dish can also be made with turkey for a variation, similar to a Turkey And Brown Rice Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Divan with a side of rice or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Pasta And Sausage Soup for a comforting dinner. For a lighter option, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a simple quinoa salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven will help maintain the texture of the dish better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Do Ahead Chicken Divan contains roughly 246 calories, with 9g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 620mg per serving (27% 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 make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce. For a healthier alternative, consider a low-fat cream soup or a blended mixture of Greek yogurt and broth to keep the dish creamy without excess calories.
Can I freeze Chicken Divan?
Yes, Chicken Divan freezes well. Before baking, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
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).