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Kathy Lee's Chicken Divan
Kathy Lee’s Chicken Divan is a comforting American casserole that brings together tender chicken breast and vibrant broccoli, all wrapped in a creamy, slightly tangy sauce with a hint of curry. Often associated with retro hotel and home menus, this classic bake offers a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish ideal for family dinners or potlucks. It's especially beloved for its balance of creamy richness, the brightness of lemon and curry, and the golden crunch of breadcrumbs on top.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 skinless chicken breasts (poached and cooled boneless, sliced)
  • 40 oz packages (cooked and drained well)
  • 21 cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz each cream of chicken soup)
  • 1½ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅔ cup half and half
  • 1½ cup cheddar cheese (grated )
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ to 1 tsp curry powder (to taste)
  • Bread crumbs (for topping)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Broccoli

  • Poach the chicken breasts, cool in their liquid, then drain and slice.
  • Cook broccoli spears according to package directions and drain well.

Step 2: Assemble Base Layer

  • Place the broccoli in the bottom of a casserole dish.
  • Layer sliced chicken over the broccoli.

Step 3: Make Sauce

  • In a medium bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, half and half, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, and curry powder until smooth.

Step 4: Pour and Top

  • Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
  • Sprinkle breadcrumbs generously on top.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Tips

  • Substitute fresh steamed broccoli for frozen if preferred
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save prep time
  • Swap half-and-half with whole milk for a lighter version
  • Add sliced mushrooms for extra depth
  • Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor
  • Top with buttered breadcrumbs for extra crunch
  • Add a pinch of paprika to the topping
  • Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
  • Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 36gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 890mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2250IUVitamin C: 52mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword broccoli casserole, casserole, chicken dinner, comfort food, family favorite, retro cooking, vintage recipe
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