Paula Deen Chicken Divan Recipe

This Paula Deen Chicken Divan is a creamy and cheesy casserole, which is made with tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food dish, ready in about 1 hour.

Paula Deen Chicken Divan Ingredients

• 2 (10 oz) packages chopped frozen broccoli
• 6 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 2 (10 3/4 oz) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Paula Deen Chicken Divan

1. Prep Oven and Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11×7-inch (or similar 2-quart) casserole dish. Cook the frozen broccoli according to the package directions (microwaving or steaming is fine). Drain the broccoli very well and spread it in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
2. Layer the Chicken: Arrange the shredded cooked chicken in an even layer on top of the broccoli.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, lemon juice, curry powder, and white wine. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the dish. Use a spatula to gently mix everything together and pat it down into an even layer.
5. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, soft breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
6. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• How to avoid a watery casserole? It is crucial to drain the cooked broccoli very well. After cooking, press the broccoli gently with the back of a spoon in a colander to remove as much excess water as possible.
• How can I save time on prep? Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. The meat is already cooked, seasoned, and moist.
• What does the curry powder do? Don’t be afraid of the curry powder! It doesn’t make the dish taste like curry. It adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that is the signature of a classic chicken divan.
• How do I get the crispiest topping? For an extra-crunchy topping, you can substitute the soft breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs. Tossing them with the melted butter is key to getting them perfectly golden and crisp.

What To Serve With Chicken Divan

This rich, all-in-one casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple base to soak up the creamy sauce.

• Fluffy white or brown rice
• Buttered egg noodles
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut the richness

How To Store Chicken Divan

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: You can assemble the casserole without the topping, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the fresh topping, and bake as directed, possibly adding 10-15 minutes to the time.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the casserole dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Chicken Divan Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sodium: 1200mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Paula Deen Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
• Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese Recipe