Chicken Divan is a beloved American casserole that gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Originally named after the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City, this dish combines tender chicken and broccoli with a rich, creamy sauce and a golden cheese topping. It's known for its comforting flavor and simple, layered preparation. Perfect for family dinners and potlucks, Chicken Divan remains a nostalgic favorite for many, offering a cozy, homestyle meal that’s both hearty and elegant. The addition of sherry and curry powder gives it a slightly elevated twist on the traditional creamy casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice (cooked)
- 20 oz broccoli (chopped and cooked)
- 2 cups boned chicken (cooked)
- 2 cups cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp sherry
- ½ tsp curry
- 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese (grated)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cooked rice in a greased baking dish.
Step 2: Layer Broccoli and Chicken
- Spread a layer of cooked broccoli over the rice.
- Add cooked, boned chicken on top.
Step 3: Mix Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, sherry, and curry powder until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble Casserole
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli layers.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- For extra golden color, place under broiler for 3–5 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Tips
- Substitute turkey for chicken for a post-holiday twist.
- Add breadcrumbs mixed with butter on top for crunch.
- Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Freeze unbaked casserole for up to one month, perfect for meal prep.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
30 min 350° Dellana Chicken Divan Here's what's cookin' Recipe from the kitchen of 2 c cooked rice 2 10 oz pk chopped broccoli 2 c cooked boned chicken 2 c cream of mushroom soup ½ c sour cream 2 T. sherry ½ t. curry. 1½ c. grated cheddar cheese Place rice in greased baking dish, then add layer of cooked broccoli. Mix sour cream, soup, curry & sherry. Put all over above. Bake 30 min Serves Put cheese over top last 5 min. Rice is best if cooked in broth
From Transcription to Instructions
We love that tiny card , it lists the chicken but leaves the layering terse, so we unpacked it into steps and put the cooked, boned chicken explicitly between the broccoli and the sauce so you won’t wonder where it belongs. The card also says “put cheese over top last 5 min,” while the site sprinkles cheese before a 30‑minute bake and offers a quick broil for extra color; we point that out so you can choose the moment to finish and get a nicely browned top.
Nutrition
Serving: 1.33cupsCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 460mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 880IUVitamin C: 320mgCalcium: 240mgIron: 1.6mg
