Easy Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan is a comforting casserole featuring tender chicken and crisp asparagus topped with a creamy curry-infused sauce and cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it's perfect for a family dinner or weeknight meal with bold flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen asparagus or broccoli spears ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced chicken or 3 boned chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 2/3 to 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs or cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon melted butter ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated cheese ⓘ
- pimiento strips
Instructions
- Cook the frozen asparagus or broccoli according to package directions and arrange in a greased baking dish.
- Place sliced chicken or whole chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
- In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Melt butter and mix with bread crumbs or cracker crumbs, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Garnish with pimiento strips.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting broccoli with frozen asparagus for a different flavor profile. If you prefer, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter option. To enhance the dish, add some grated nutmeg to the sauce for depth. Ensure the chicken is cooked through before layering, and feel free to adjust the amount of curry powder based on your spice tolerance.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Chicken Divan pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed rice for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a light soup for a comforting dinner. For a cozy family night, complement it with a side of roasted vegetables or your favorite potato dish, like Hash Potato Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated thoroughly. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken Divan contains roughly 566 calories, with 18g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (152% of the Daily Value), iron (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1097mg per serving (48% 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 vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh broccoli or asparagus. Just blanch them briefly before layering in the dish to ensure they cook properly. Fresh vegetables will add a vibrant flavor and texture to the casserole, making it even more delicious.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a topping. Additionally, make sure to check that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten. This way, you can enjoy the dish without any gluten-related concerns.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, 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. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).