Donna'S Chicken Divan
Donna's Chicken Divan is a comforting casserole blending tender chicken, asparagus, and cheeses with a flavorful creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cans asparagus ⓘ
- 3 cooked chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup grated sharp cheese ⓘ
- 1 to 1.5 cups crushed corn flakes ⓘ
- 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chile
- 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce ⓘ
- 1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1.5 dozen corn tortillas ⓘ
- 2 cups grated Longhorn cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 dozen corn tortillas
- 2 c. grated longhorn cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions and green chile in butter until tender.
- Combine all liquids—cream of chicken soup, enchilada sauce, evaporated milk, chicken broth—and add the sautéed onions and chile mixture.
- Tear the corn tortillas into pieces and layer them in a casserole dish with the pulled chicken and grated cheese, ending with a cheese layer.
- Pour the prepared liquid mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Refrigerate the casserole overnight or for several hours.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken as a shortcut. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the liquid mixture. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter option. If you don't have curry powder, try a pinch of cumin for a different taste profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Donna's Chicken Divan with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Salad In Croissants for a delightful lunch option. A side of rice or quinoa can also complement the dish nicely, adding a hearty component to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Donna'S Chicken Divan contains roughly 684 calories, with 27g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1729mg per serving (75% 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 fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Just cook and shred the chicken breasts before adding them to the casserole. This will ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat. You can poach or grill the chicken for extra flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free tortillas instead of corn tortillas. Additionally, ensure that the cream of chicken soup and enchilada sauce are gluten-free varieties to accommodate dietary needs. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. Assemble the layers and pour the liquid mixture over them, then cover and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just bake it right before serving for a hot, comforting meal.
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).