Miss Jessie'S Easy Chicken Divan
A creamy, cheesy chicken divan with tender broccoli, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Rich flavors and comforting textures make it a perennial favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli in salted water just until tender.
- Drain and arrange in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Layer sliced cooked chicken on top of the broccoli.
- Combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and milk until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the soup mixture. If you prefer fresh broccoli, blanch it for a few minutes before using it in the dish. You can substitute rotisserie chicken for the cooked chicken breasts to save time. For a twist, mix in some cooked rice or quinoa to make it a heartier meal, similar to Chicken Bake Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Divan with a side of fluffy rice or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a light vinaigrette salad. For an extra flavor kick, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a hearty soup like Hearty Navy Bean Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Miss Jessie'S Easy Chicken Divan contains roughly 490 calories, with 25g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 875mg 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 other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or even some sautéed mushrooms. Just make sure to pre-cook them slightly so they blend well with the other ingredients.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat mayonnaise. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables or using whole grain pasta can enhance the nutritional value of the dish without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Chicken Divan a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking 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).