Overnight Chicken Divan
Creamy, cheesy chicken divan with tender chicken, broccoli, and flavorful sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests with its rich taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken breasts with salt until tender, about 1 hour. Let cool.
- Remove skin, debone, and coarsely chop the chicken.
- Cook broccoli according to package directions; drain well.
- Place cooked broccoli in a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Combine undiluted cream of chicken soup, sour cream, sherry, paprika, mustard, curry powder, and mayonnaise to make the sauce.
- Pour half of the sauce over the broccoli in the dish.
- Arrange the chopped chicken over the sauce.
- Top with the remaining sauce.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Before baking, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle with cheese and paprika, then bake an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic before cooking. If you want a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and mayonnaise. For added texture, toss in some toasted almonds or breadcrumbs over the top before the final bake. This dish is also delicious with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Divan pairs beautifully with a side of Seasoned Onion Rice for a comforting meal. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans can provide a refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, consider serving with warm, crusty bread or biscuits. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. For best results, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the dish moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Chicken Divan contains roughly 466 calories, with 16g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (140% of the Daily Value), iron (88% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1778mg per serving (77% 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 broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used! Blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding to the baking dish to ensure it cooks evenly with the chicken. This will add a vibrant color and fresh flavor to the dish.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be made ahead. Prepare everything a day before and refrigerate overnight. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry on hand, you can use white wine or even chicken broth as a substitute. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with water will add a nice tang without the alcohol.
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).