Chicken Divan For Two (No Canned Soup Required)

Chicken Divan is an iconic casserole that is made by combining chicken and broccoli in a creamy and cheesy sauce. However what makes this recipe different from all the rest is that this is a recipe designed for two people and it doesn’t included canned cream of chicken soup.

Instead this recipe includes an easy to make homemade sauce with ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen. Combine that sauce with the chicken, broccoli and cheese and you will have a dinner recipe that you will want to make over and over again.

Best of all, this recipe can be thrown together in just a few minutes with the help of leftover rotisserie chicken. Then serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles and you have a delicious comfort food meal that will satisfy any appetite.

Why Is It Called Chicken Divan?

Chicken Divan is a classic American dish named after the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in the New York City Chatham Hotel where it was first created. The original recipe included chicken and broccoli layered in a Mornay sauce.

The dish got its unique name from the France term “divan” (pronounced ‘duh-van’). Although in England this term means a large couch without arms, in France it refers to a meeting place or great hall.

Therefore, because this dish was so good and popular at the Chatham Hotel it was known to bring people together to the table. Therefore the recipe name was created and it continues to be an iconic menu item today.

No Canned Soup Recipe

While many traditional Chicken Divan recipes use canned condensed cream of chicken soup as the main ingredient in the creamy sauce, this recipe is made with a simple homemade sauce. Not only is it healthier but it also adds more flavor to the dish.

Best of all the homemade sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen. The combination of flour, butter, milk, and chicken broth give it a nice thick base.

Then add in cheese, Dijon mustard and a few spices and your homemade sauce is ready. Not only does the sauce give the recipe a fresh taste, it has much more flavor than canned soup could ever offer.

Other Ingredients Required

Now that you know the ingredients that goes into making the Chicken Divan sauce, there are only a few other ingredients required to make this delicious meal.

Fresh Broccoli Florets – It is best to use small broccoli florets so that they can become perfectly tender once cooked. Also, the smaller the size the easier they are to eat.

Chicken – This is a great recipe to use leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken. Then there is no worry if the chicken has cooked through to a safe temperature for consuming. Simply dice or shred the chicken and add it to the dish.

Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Not only is there cheese in homemade sauce, more is added to the top of the casserole once assembled. Feel free to add as much as you like.

Panko Breadcrumbs – For an additional crunch, Panko breadcrumbs are sprinkled on top of the cheese before the Chicken Divan goes into the oven.

How To Assemble The Casserole

Assembling the casserole is easy and straightforward.

1. Start by layering your lightly boiled broccoli florets and diced chicken in a baking dish.

2. Pour the homemade sauce over these ingredients, ensuring they’re fully coated.

3. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the homemade sauce.

4. Sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs on top, covering as much exposed cheese as you can.

What To Serve With Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is a comforting and hearty dish on its own, but when paired with the right sides, it can truly shine as the centerpiece of a delicious meal. When served as a comfort food meal the best side dishes include mashed potatoes, rice, and/or noodles.

However for those seeking to balance the richness of the casserole, a fresh green salad is a wonderful choice. The crispness of the lettuce and a tangy vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.

Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus can also provide a delightful texture contrast to the meal. Not to mention, the added vegetables are healthy and will keep you feeling full and satisfied.

However, no matter what you choose as your sides, I highly suggest serving warm, crusty bread with this Chicken Divan for two recipe. Freshly baked baguette or a rustic sourdough loaf provides the perfect means to soak up every last drop of the sauce.

Store and Reheating Instructions

Storing and reheating Chicken Divan is a breeze. Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat, microwave individual servings on a medium setting until heated through. Or warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

There you have it, the perfect Chicken Divan for Two recipe! Easy to prepare, packed with delicious ingredients, and the ideal size for dinner for two.

Chicken Divan For Two

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 heaping cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, cut into small cubes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup shredded extra sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder,
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Topping Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with non stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Cut broccoli into bite size pieces. Then bring a large pot of water to a boil and add broccoli pieces and cook for 3 minutes.

Immediately drain and let it sit in a colander so that it can dry.

Homemade Chicken Divan Sauce

Start making the sauce by melting the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Once the butter melts slowly add the flour, whisking constantly until a thick paste forms.

Then gradually add in 1/4 cup of the milk while continuing to whisk. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth.

Then add the remaining milk and continue to whisk until completely smooth. Add in 1/2 cup of cheese and whisk again until completely smooth.

Add in the sour cream and then whisk until smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried parsley, onion powder, and Kosher salt and pepper to taste. Then remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.

Assembly Instructions

Be sure that the broccoli is dry and add it to the prepared casserole dish. Then place the chicken pieces on top of the broccoli.

Next, pour the sauce over top of the chicken and broccoli. Be sure to spread the sauce from edge to edge, covering all of the ingredients.

Add the remaining shredded cheese over top of sauce. Then make the breadcrumb topping by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a small bowl in the microwave or in a saucepan placed over medium-high heat.

Stir in the Panko breadcrumbs until moistened. Sprinkle the moist breadcrumbs over top of the cheese.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges of the dish. Remove the baking dish from the oven and serve immediately.

*If you have any leftover broccoli, be sure to try my Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole. It is another great, easy to make recipe for two!

Enjoy! Mary

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