Originating in the early 20th century, it was named after the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City, where it was first served. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection in one dish.
Over the years, it has become a beloved family favorite, especially for those seeking a hearty, easy-to-make meal. The Old Fashioned Chicken Divan Recipe remains true to its roots, offering a rich and satisfying flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
1. Old Fashioned Chicken Divan Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 heads of fresh broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional, but adds great flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole is baked perfectly when it’s ready to go in.
Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender but still bright green, about 3-4 minutes. You can steam them on the stove or microwave them. Once steamed, set the broccoli aside.
Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and curry powder (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be creamy and flavorful, with a nice balance of tang and richness from the mayo and sour cream.
Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the steamed broccoli evenly. Top the broccoli with the cooked chicken, spreading it out to cover the broccoli. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, making sure it’s spread evenly across the top.
Add the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for a crispy, golden topping.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. You can check the center to ensure it’s heated through.
Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Chicken Divan is perfect on its own or paired with your favorite side dishes.
2. Tips for Perfect Chicken Divan Casserole
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience and flavor, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this dish. It’s already cooked, juicy, and adds a rich flavor to the casserole. Shredded or diced, it’ll blend perfectly with the creamy sauce and broccoli.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want your broccoli to be tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp. Overcooking can make it mushy, so steam it lightly before adding it to the casserole.
Adjust the Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for Chicken Divan, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it melts well!
Make Ahead: This casserole can easily be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect if you’re prepping for a dinner party or want a quick meal during a busy week.
Customize the Curry Flavor: While the curry powder is optional, I recommend trying it! It adds a subtle but distinct flavor that makes the dish special. You can adjust the amount based on your preference—start with a teaspoon and increase if you like a bit more spice.
3. What to Eat With Chicken Divan Casserole
Chicken Divan is rich and creamy, so it pairs well with light and refreshing side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside:
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole. Try arugula, spinach, or a mixed greens salad with a lemony dressing.
Garlic Bread: For a carb-lover’s delight, garlic bread is an excellent side. The buttery, garlicky flavors are a perfect match with the creamy chicken and broccoli casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts complement the flavors of Chicken Divan nicely. The slight char and natural sweetness of roasted veggies balance the richness of the dish.
Rice or Quinoa: If you want to make the meal more filling, serve Chicken Divan over a bed of rice or quinoa. The grains will soak up the creamy sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing: Allow any leftover Chicken Divan to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze Chicken Divan for later use. Simply cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You may want to cover the casserole with foil while reheating to prevent the top from getting too dry.
This Old Fashioned Chicken Divan Recipe is a true classic, offering a comforting combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce. The golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect amount of crunch to each bite, making this casserole a family favorite.
