Paula'S Chicken Divan
Creamy chicken divan with broccoli and a hint of curry, topped with cheese and crunchy bread crumbs, perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lay cooked and drained chopped broccoli on the bottom of a casserole dish, then add the cooked, chopped chicken on top.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, and Old English cheese until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs mixed with melted butter over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using sour cream instead of mayonnaise or adding a splash of chicken broth to the sauce. If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding some sautéed onions or garlic. You can also substitute the Old English cheese with cheddar or a cheese blend of your choice. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Paula's Chicken Divan with a side of fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables makes for a refreshing contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Macaroni for a comforting meal. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paula'S Chicken Divan contains roughly 534 calories, with 28g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 528mg per serving (23% 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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for convenience. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before layering it in the casserole to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish watery.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can use homemade cream of chicken soup or a different cream soup, such as cream of mushroom. Alternatively, blending cooked chicken broth with a roux (butter and flour) can create a similar consistency and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
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).