Chicken Divan is a wonderfully deceptive dish. Its fancy-sounding name belies a remarkably simple and incredibly satisfying chicken casserole. Imagine tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, enveloped in a rich, lemony curry sauce, all served over silky wide egg noodles. This recipe strikes the perfect balance: elegant enough to grace a special dinner party, yet straightforward enough for a bustling weeknight. The sauce, in particular, is so utterly delicious, you’ll be tempted to eat it straight from the spoon! It’s truly a comfort food masterpiece that brings warmth and flavor to any table.
This Chicken Divan recipe holds a special place in my heart, a culinary tradition I’ve cherished for as long as I can remember. Its origins trace back through my family, passed down from my Mom, who received it from her oldest sister, my beloved Aunt Ellen, many, many years ago. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a connection to cherished memories and family gatherings.
It has always been one of my absolute favorites, for a couple of key reasons. Firstly, my love for chicken is so profound, it’s a wonder I haven’t started growing feathers! And secondly, I absolutely *adore* curry! While I enjoy all kinds of curry dishes, the nuanced flavors and beautiful golden hue of yellow curry dishes are my ultimate preference. The mild, aromatic curry in this casserole perfectly complements the chicken and broccoli, creating a flavor profile that is both exotic and deeply comforting.
We all love the convenience and heartwarming nature of one-dish recipes, don’t we?
The Intriguing History of Chicken Divan
The story of Chicken Divan is as rich as its sauce, a classic that gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century. This iconic dish was reportedly born in the bustling kitchens of a prestigious French restaurant located within the Chatham Hotel in New York City. The creative genius behind it was a chef named “Lagasi”—no relation to the famous Emeril Lagasse, though I did check, as names sometimes evolve across generations!
The original recipe, unfortunately, remains a culinary enigma, a closely guarded secret that vanished with its inventor. Therefore, every Chicken Divan recipe enjoyed today, including this cherished family version, is an approximation, a loving interpretation of that lost original. These adaptations, however, often lead to fantastic, accessible variations that become beloved in their own right.
At its core, traditional Chicken Divan centers around a few essential elements: a creamy Mornay sauce, tender chicken, wide egg noodles, and fresh broccoli. While a true Mornay sauce involves a béchamel base with Gruyère cheese, my family’s rendition keeps things wonderfully simple without sacrificing flavor. We create a delightful, creamy sauce using readily available ingredients like canned Campbell’s cream of chicken soup, a bright splash of lemon juice, smooth mayonnaise, and a hint of curry powder. This clever combination creates a sauce that is both comforting and incredibly flavorful, serving as a perfect stand-in for the more complex Mornay.
Choosing the Best Noodles for Your Chicken Divan Casserole
For this particular Chicken Divan casserole recipe, I always opt for wide egg noodles. These are the kind you typically find in a package in your local grocery store’s pasta aisle, distinct from the thicker homemade egg noodles I might prepare for a hearty homemade chicken noodle soup. The beauty of wide egg noodles lies in their delicate, silky texture. When cooked, they become wonderfully tender and provide the perfect surface area to generously coat every bite with that luscious, creamy sauce.
However, if wide egg noodles aren’t readily available, don’t fret! This versatile casserole allows for various pasta substitutions. Fettuccine noodles, while not quite as wide, are an excellent alternative and will certainly do the trick. You could also experiment with other medium-width pasta shapes like tagliatelle, or even a robust penne or rotini if you prefer a different mouthfeel. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold up to the creamy sauce and bake well without becoming mushy. Always cook your pasta al dente before adding it to the casserole, as it will continue to cook in the oven. For those seeking gluten-free options, many brands now offer excellent gluten-free wide egg noodles or fettuccine that can be used interchangeably.
Selecting the Perfect Curry Powder for Chicken Divan
While the addition of curry powder certainly gives Chicken Divan a delightful touch of pizzazz and an aromatic depth, the goal isn’t for the curry to overwhelm the dish. If it did, we might as well call it chicken curry casserole, right? With that in mind, selecting a milder curry powder is essential for achieving the perfect flavor balance.
Curry, a term encompassing a vast array of spice blends, comes in countless styles with endless regional variations, ranging from incredibly mild to intensely spicy. For this specific chicken broccoli divan with curry, I consistently opt for a mild yellow curry powder. This choice is deliberate: it imparts a beautiful golden color to the sauce and adds a subtle, warm, and earthy depth of flavor without dominating the other ingredients. It allows the inherent creaminess of the sauce and the freshness of the broccoli to shine through, creating a harmonious and comforting taste experience. Look for a standard, mild yellow curry blend – it’s often labeled as such in the spice aisle and is perfect for introducing a gentle, aromatic twist to classic comfort food like this casserole.
Essential Ingredients for Your Classic Chicken Divan
One of the many charms of this easy Chicken Divan recipe is its reliance on readily available ingredients. Chances are, you might already have most, if not all, of what you need right in your pantry and refrigerator!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for their lean protein and quick cooking. You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken for an even faster prep time.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: The cornerstone of our creamy sauce, providing a rich, savory base. Consider low-sodium options to control salt content.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a delightful tang and helps achieve that signature creamy texture. Full-fat or low-fat varieties work equally well.
- Curry Powder: As discussed, a mild yellow curry powder is perfect for a subtle, aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Lemon Juice: A crucial ingredient that brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing zest. Freshly squeezed is always best.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together. Adjust to your taste.
- Fresh Broccoli Spears or Broccolini: Fresh broccoli provides the best texture and vibrant color. Broccolini is a fantastic alternative for a slightly milder flavor and more delicate stalks.
- Butter or Margarine: Used for sautéing the chicken, adding richness and flavor.
- Wide Egg Noodles: The traditional choice for their silky texture and ability to soak up the delicious sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Delicious Chicken Divan Casserole
Preparing this chicken and broccoli casserole is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful meal:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure easy cleanup and prevent any delicious casserole bits from sticking.
2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large frying pan, melt a tablespoon or two of butter or margarine over medium heat. Add your chicken breasts to the pan and sauté for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly golden. For juicy, tender chicken, avoid overcooking. Once cooked, you can slice or shred the chicken as desired for your casserole.
3. Prepare Broccoli and Noodles: While the chicken cooks, steam your fresh broccoli spears until they are tender-crisp. You want them cooked but still retaining a slight bite, not overly soft. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your wide egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain them thoroughly once cooked.
4. Mix the Creamy Curry Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the two cans of cream of chicken soup, the mayonnaise, curry powder, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-blended.
*A quick note on ingredients: I’ve successfully made this recipe with both low-fat and non-fat mayonnaise, so feel free to reduce calories there if you wish. You can also opt for a “Heart Healthy” or low-sodium version of Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup to manage sodium intake. While frozen broccoli can be used, I personally prefer fresh broccoli or broccolini for their superior texture – tender, but not mushy.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked wide egg noodles evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, layer the sautéed chicken breasts over the noodles, followed by the steamed broccoli. Finally, generously top the entire casserole with the creamy curry sauce, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
6. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a reliable meat thermometer. This ensures it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
As the Chicken Divan casserole bakes, that incredible curry sauce lovingly blankets the broccoli, chicken, and noodles, allowing all the flavors to meld together into one truly scrumptious and irresistible meal. This is a dish you’ll find yourself wanting to make again and again, whether for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t you hate it when you find a fantastic recipe and then can’t remember where you saw it when you’re ready to cook? Avoid that frustration entirely! Take a moment right now to save this amazing Chicken Divan recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. That way, it’s always just a click away whenever you’re craving this delicious and easy casserole!
The Enduring Appeal of One-Dish Casserole Recipes
Casseroles might sometimes be considered an old-fashioned dish, but let’s be honest: they never truly go out of style! What’s not to love about a complete meal that effortlessly combines all the important food groups in every comforting bite, cooks in a single dish, and can often be whipped together in mere minutes? In our increasingly busy lives, casseroles are nothing short of lifesavers for family mealtimes. They offer convenience, minimize cleanup, and deliver hearty satisfaction.
It’s no surprise, then, that I am an enormous fan of casserole dishes. From the innovative creations I’ve developed myself to the treasured recipes passed down through generations by my mother and grandmother, to new ones I simply *had* to try – I genuinely love them all! Casseroles embody comfort, practicality, and deliciousness, making them a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.
Here are a few more fantastic one-dish casseroles I enthusiastically recommend you try:
- Teriyaki Chicken Casserole (pictured above, a flavorful Asian-inspired bake)
- Sophisticated Green Bean Casserole (an elevated take on a holiday classic)
- Chicken and Doritos Casserole (a fun, crunchy, kid-friendly favorite)
- Spicy Tater Tot Casserole With Sausage And Mushrooms (a hearty, flavor-packed option)
- Five Bean and Ground Beef Casserole (a robust, filling meal)
- Mom’s Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole (a timeless, creamy seafood classic)
- See ALL of my Casserole Recipes (discover more delicious one-dish meals)
What to Serve with Your Chicken Divan Casserole
The beauty of Chicken Divan casserole is that it’s a wonderfully complete meal all on its own. You have your essential protein from the chicken, vital vegetables from the broccoli, and a satisfying starch with the egg noodles. There’s truly no *need* to serve anything extra if you’re looking for simplicity.
However, if you enjoy enhancing your meal or love to savor every last drop of that amazing sauce, I typically make sure to have some crusty no-knead Dutch oven bread or homemade ciabatta bread on hand. It’s absolutely perfect for mopping up any leftover creamy curry sauce on your plate, ensuring no deliciousness goes to waste!
While traditionally served with noodles, Chicken Divan is also incredibly delicious served over fluffy rice, offering a different texture. For those seeking a low-carb alternative and looking to skip the noodles, I highly recommend serving it over a creamy mashed cauliflower – it perfectly complements the rich sauce.
A light and fresh side like this Green Salad with Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette would make a wonderful addition to the meal. Especially for us lemon lovers who can’t get enough of that bright, zesty flavor, it’s a perfect counterpoint to the casserole’s richness.
And for dessert? A delightful and refreshing choice like Pineapple Pretzel Fluff offers a fantastic sweet and salty finish that would be lovely to nibble on after dinner.
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Print Recipe
Chicken Divan – Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
5
45
50
Chicken
American
casserole, chicken and broccoli, Chicken Divan, chicken recipes, curry, easy casserole, egg noodles
6 – 8 servings
609kcal
Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
- Glass Batter Bowl
- 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
- Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken breasts
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise I use fat free and it’s just fine
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- fresh broccoli spears about one large bunch, more if desired, steamed
- margarine or butter
- 1 large package wide egg noodles cooked and drained
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In melted butter or margarine, in a frying pan, sauté your chicken breasts for about 15 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Steam broccoli until tender-crisp, and boil and drain wide egg noodles according to package instructions.
- In a small bowl, prepare the sauce: combine cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder, salt, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth.
- Place the cooked noodles on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Cover with the sautéed chicken breasts, then layer the steamed broccoli on top, and finally, evenly spread the creamy curry sauce over everything.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through, and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 C).
Nutrition
Serving: 1
|
Calories: 609kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 15g
|
Protein: 41g
|
Fat: 42g
|
Saturated Fat: 9g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat: 30g
|
Trans Fat: 1g
|
Cholesterol: 131mg
|
Sodium: 1230mg
|
Fiber: 1g
|
Sugar: 1g
This recipe was originally posted on May 24, 2013. It has been updated to improve user experience, enhance SEO, and was re-shared on February 10, 2021.