Chicken Divan Recipe

Chicken: Diced and cooked, this forms the protein base of the dish.

Broccoli: Steamed to retain its vibrant color and nutrients, it adds a healthy touch.

Cream of chicken soup: Provides a creamy, savory base for the sauce.

Mayonnaise: Adds richness and a slight tang to the sauce.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded and sprinkled on top, it melts to create a gooey, cheesy layer.

Lemon juice: Adds a hint of acidity to balance the richness of the dish.

Curry powder: Introduces a subtle warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Breadcrumbs: Mixed with butter to create a crispy, golden topping.

Butter: Melted and combined with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.

When preparing the breadcrumbs for the topping, consider toasting them lightly in a pan before mixing with the melted butter. This will add an extra layer of crunch and a deeper flavor to your Chicken Divan.

• diced cooked chicken - Substitute with diced cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken, making it a suitable replacement.

• steamed broccoli - Substitute with steamed cauliflower: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative to broccoli.

• cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup provides a similar creamy consistency and savory flavor.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture and tangy flavor while being lower in fat and calories.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the dish.

• lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar provides a similar acidity and brightness to the dish.

• curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala offers a complex blend of spices that can provide a similar depth of flavor.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunchy texture and can be used as a topping.

• melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil offers a healthier fat option while still providing richness and flavor.

• Allow the Chicken Divan to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For storing in the refrigerator:

  • Transfer the Chicken Divan to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.

• For freezing:

  • If you plan to freeze the Chicken Divan, consider using a freezer-safe baking dish or portioning it into individual servings using freezer-safe containers.
  • Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
  • Label the container with the date and contents.
  • Freeze for up to 2-3 months for the best quality.
  • When ready to use, thaw the Chicken Divan in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. If reheating from frozen, you may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• For best results, avoid freezing the breadcrumb topping. Instead, prepare and add the breadcrumb mixture just before baking to maintain its crunchy texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Chicken Divan in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until it's heated through and bubbly.

• For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place a portion of Chicken Divan on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent), and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy topping, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C), place the Chicken Divan in an oven-safe dish, and heat for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.

• For stovetop reheating, place the Chicken Divan in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist, cover the skillet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Chicken Divan in an air fryer-safe dish and heat for 10-15 minutes. This method will help maintain the crispy breadcrumb topping.

• Oven: Used to bake the Chicken Divan at a temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder.

• Baking dish: Used to layer the broccoli and chicken, and to bake the entire dish.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the diced cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, mayonnaise, and breadcrumbs.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the lemon juice and curry powder.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheddar cheese.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter.

• Spoon: Used to mix ingredients in the mixing bowl and small bowl.

• Knife: Used to dice the cooked chicken.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to dice the cooked chicken.

• Steamer: Used to steam the broccoli.

• Spatula: Used to spread the soup mixture over the broccoli and chicken layers.

• Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.

Frozen broccoli: Opt for frozen broccoli that can be steamed in the microwave to cut down on prep time.

Pre-shredded cheese: Purchase pre-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid the extra step of shredding it yourself.

One-bowl mixing: Mix the soup mixture directly in the baking dish to reduce the number of dishes to clean.

Pre-made breadcrumbs: Use store-bought breadcrumbs to eliminate the need for making your own.