Judy'S Chicken Divan
Creamy, cheesy Chicken Divan features tender chicken and broccoli baked with a curry-flavored sauce, topped with cheddar cheese and bread crumbs—perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange cooked and drained broccoli florets in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Top the broccoli with sliced, cooked chicken.
- Blend the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder, and lemon juice together until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese and bread crumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Can be made ahead and frozen.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can also use fresh broccoli if you prefer; just steam it briefly before baking. If you love a bit of crunch, consider adding crushed nuts or seeds to the breadcrumb topping. Experiment with spices like paprika or garlic powder for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Judy's Chicken Divan with a light green salad or steamed rice for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside American recipes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Judy'S Chicken Divan contains roughly 902 calories, with 35g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (143% of the Daily Value), calcium (86% of the Daily Value), and iron (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1200mg per serving (52% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cooked turkey or even shredded pork for the chicken. Just ensure the meat is cooked and seasoned to your liking before adding it to the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with additional broccoli or other vegetables like cauliflower and mushrooms. You can also use a vegetable-based soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
Is it possible to freeze this dish before baking?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Chicken Divan and freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, adding extra time if baking from frozen.
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).