Classic Chicken Divan Recipe: Easy & Delicious Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Curry
Chicken Divan, despite its sophisticated name, is a wonderfully simple yet elegant chicken casserole that brings comfort and flavor to any table. This beloved dish features tender chicken and crisp broccoli, enveloped in a rich, creamy lemon curry sauce, all served over a bed of silky wide egg noodles. It’s a culinary marvel that is impressive enough for a dinner party, yet so straightforward to prepare, it effortlessly fits into a busy weeknight schedule. The sauce, a harmonious blend of savory and tangy with a hint of exotic spice, is so incredibly delicious, you’ll find yourself wanting to savor every last drop.
A Family Favorite: My Go-To Chicken Divan Recipe
This particular Chicken Divan recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it’s one I’ve been preparing for as long as I can remember. Passed down from my Aunt Ellen to my Mom many years ago, it quickly became a staple in our family. It’s always been a personal favorite, and for good reason! First, my immense love for chicken means I’m always thrilled with any dish featuring it – sometimes I wonder why I haven’t grown feathers yet! Second, I absolutely adore curry. While I appreciate all varieties of curry dishes, the gentle warmth and vibrant color of yellow curry truly captivate my taste buds, making this casserole an irresistible treat.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-executed one-dish meal, isn’t there? The simplicity of preparation, minimal cleanup, and the way all the flavors meld together in a single baking dish make casseroles like Chicken Divan a true blessing in any kitchen.
Unraveling the Origins: What is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan has a fascinating history, rising to prominence in the early 20th century. This iconic dish was reportedly invented at a celebrated French restaurant located within the Chatham Hotel in New York City, credited to a talented chef named “Lagasi.” Interestingly, despite the similar-sounding name, there’s no relation to the famed Chef Emeril Lagasse (I did verify, as names can evolve across generations!).
The original recipe, unfortunately, remains a culinary enigma, a secret that reportedly passed away with its inventor. Consequently, every Chicken Divan recipe enjoyed today, including this delightful one, is an approximation – a homage to the original masterpiece. These modern adaptations strive to capture the essence of the classic dish, which traditionally consisted of creamy Mornay sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli. Our version simplifies the sauce preparation without sacrificing any of the comforting, rich flavors that define Chicken Divan.
The Core Components of a Perfect Chicken Divan
At its heart, Chicken Divan revolves around a few essential elements: a creamy sauce, succulent chicken, a fresh green vegetable, and a hearty starch. While the classic often calls for a homemade Mornay sauce, our recipe takes a wonderfully pragmatic approach to keep things “super simple” without compromising on taste. We craft our irresistible sauce using pantry staples like canned Campbell’s cream of chicken soup, a bright splash of lemon juice, smooth mayonnaise, and a touch of aromatic curry powder. This clever combination delivers all the richness and depth you’d expect from a traditional Divan, but with significantly less effort, making it truly accessible for home cooks.
Selecting the Perfect Noodles for Your Chicken Divan Casserole
The choice of noodles is crucial for achieving the quintessential Chicken Divan experience. For this recipe, I highly recommend using wide egg noodles, the kind typically found in the pasta aisle of your grocery store. These store-bought ribbon noodles offer a beautifully silky texture that cradles the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is richly coated. They differ from the thicker homemade egg noodles I might use for something like my homemade chicken noodle soup, providing a lighter, more delicate base for the casserole.
However, if wide egg noodles aren’t readily available, don’t let that deter you! This dish is forgiving, and you can certainly use other types of pasta. Fettuccine noodles, while not quite as wide, are an excellent alternative and will still do the trick beautifully. The key is to choose a pasta that can absorb and hold onto that incredible sauce. For those looking for gluten-free options, there are many excellent wide gluten-free egg noodles or fettuccine-style pastas available today that would work perfectly in this creamy casserole.
Choosing the Right Curry Powder for Flavor Harmony
While the addition of curry powder provides a delightful “pizzazz” to Chicken Divan, the goal isn’t for the curry to dominate the entire dish. After all, if the curry were too overwhelming, it might as well be called a chicken curry casserole! With that balance in mind, selecting a mild curry powder is key to achieving the desired flavor profile. Curry, a blend of various spices, comes in an incredible array of styles and boasts endless regional variations, ranging from intensely hot to subtly aromatic.
For this creamy chicken and broccoli divan, I consistently opt for a mild yellow curry powder. Its gentle flavor complements the other ingredients without overshadowing them, adding a beautiful depth and warmth. Beyond flavor, mild yellow curry powder also contributes a lovely golden hue to the sauce, making the dish even more visually appealing. It enhances the overall experience by filling out the flavor profile and giving it that signature touch without turning it into a spicy main. It’s truly about harmony and subtle enhancement.
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Chicken Divan
One of the many charms of this 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 quick cooking and easy slicing. You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal prep.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret to our effortlessly creamy sauce. Opt for a heart-healthy or low-sodium version if desired.
- Mayonnaise: Contributes to the sauce’s rich texture and tangy flavor. Feel free to use low-fat or non-fat mayonnaise for a lighter alternative; the results are still fantastic.
- Curry Powder: As discussed, a mild yellow curry powder is perfect for adding a subtle, aromatic warmth and a beautiful color.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the sauce and enhancing the curry notes.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best flavors in all the components.
- Fresh Broccoli Spears or Broccolini: For best texture and vibrant color, fresh broccoli is preferred. Steam it until tender-crisp. Frozen broccoli can also be used in a pinch.
- Butter: For sautéing the chicken, adding an extra layer of flavor. Margarine can be substituted.
- Wide Egg Noodles: The perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce. Cook and drain according to package directions.
Simple Steps to Prepare Your Comforting Chicken Divan
Creating this delightful Chicken Divan casserole is straightforward and designed for ease, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-tasting meal with minimal fuss. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the preparation process:
- Preparation First: Begin by preheating your oven to a comforting 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven warms, lightly prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by coating it with a non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a frying pan, melt a knob of butter or margarine over medium heat. Add your chicken breasts and sauté them for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on the outside and mostly cooked through. This initial searing adds wonderful flavor and helps keep the chicken tender. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Sides: Next, steam your fresh broccoli spears until they are tender-crisp and vibrantly green. Simultaneously, boil your wide egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain them thoroughly.
- Whip Up the Creamy Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the cans of cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder, salt, and lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated, creating a luxurious and aromatic sauce.
*Note on Variations: For a lighter version, I’ve successfully used both low-fat and non-fat mayonnaise without compromising the delicious outcome. You can also reduce the sodium content by opting for the “Heart Healthy” version of Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup. While I prefer fresh broccoli for its texture – tender but not soft – frozen broccoli works well too. Broccolini is another excellent choice for a slightly more refined touch.
Assembling and Baking Your Chicken Divan Casserole
Now for the exciting part – assembling your masterpiece! This layering technique ensures every forkful is a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
- Layering the Casserole: Spread the cooked and drained wide egg noodles evenly across the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Next, arrange the sautéed chicken breasts over the noodles. Follow this with a generous layer of your steamed broccoli. Finally, pour the creamy, aromatic lemon curry sauce evenly over the broccoli, ensuring everything is well-covered.
- Baking to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the ingredients and meld the flavors beautifully. Bake for 30 minutes in your preheated oven. For food safety and optimal tenderness, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C). A reliable meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Once baked, the curry sauce magically coats the broccoli, chicken, and noodles, fusing all these wonderful ingredients into one scrumptious, golden-hued meal. The result is a dish so comforting and flavorful, you’ll undoubtedly want to add it to your regular rotation, making it again and again.
Loved This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this fantastic Chicken Divan recipe get lost in the depths of the internet when you need it most! Take a moment right now to save it. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you move on, and it will be there waiting for you whenever that craving strikes. Happy cooking!
Embracing the Magic of One-Dish Casserole Recipes
Casseroles might sometimes be perceived as a bit “old-fashioned,” but let’s be honest: they are timeless culinary heroes! What’s not to adore about a meal that effortlessly combines all the important food groups into every single, satisfying bite? They cook in one dish, minimizing cleanup, and can often be whipped together in mere minutes, making them the ultimate lifesaver for busy family mealtimes. When schedules are packed and hunger is high, a comforting casserole is the perfect solution.
As you can probably tell, I am an enthusiastic advocate for casserole dishes. From the innovative creations I’ve developed myself, to the cherished family recipes passed down from my mother and grandmother, to exciting new ones I simply had to try – I genuinely love them all! They represent convenience, flavor, and wholesome goodness all in one.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, here are a few more one-dish wonders I wholeheartedly recommend:
- Teriyaki Chicken Casserole (as pictured above – a fantastic blend of sweet and savory!)
- Sophisticated Green Bean Casserole (a delightful twist on a classic side)
- Chicken and Doritos Casserole (a fun, crunchy, kid-friendly favorite)
- Spicy Tater Tot Casserole With Sausage And Mushrooms (hearty and full of flavor)
- Five Bean and Ground Beef Casserole (a robust and filling skillet meal)
- Mom’s Tuna Tetrazzini Casserole (a nostalgic, creamy seafood option)
- See ALL of my Casserole Recipes (for an endless array of easy meal ideas!)
What to Serve with Your Perfect Chicken Divan Casserole
One of the ultimate advantages of this Chicken Divan casserole is its completeness as a meal. Truly, there’s no need to feel obligated to serve anything extra! This dish brilliantly covers all your nutritional bases: you have your essential protein from the tender chicken, a healthy serving of vegetables with the vibrant broccoli, and a satisfying starch provided by the wide egg noodles. It’s a perfectly balanced, hearty meal all on its own.
However, if you’re like me and enjoy soaking up every last drop of that incredible lemon curry sauce, I typically make sure to have some crusty bread on hand. A warm, artisanal loaf like no-knead Dutch oven bread or fragrant homemade ciabatta bread is absolutely perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate, ensuring no deliciousness goes to waste!
For those who prefer different bases or are watching their carb intake, Chicken Divan is also absolutely delicious served over fluffy rice. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a fantastic low-carb option and want to skip the noodles entirely, try serving it over a creamy mashed cauliflower – it’s a wonderful, healthy substitute that still provides that satisfying texture.
To complement the flavors and add a refreshing element, a crisp Green Salad with Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette would make a truly great addition to the meal. Especially for us lemon lovers, who simply can’t get enough of that bright, zesty flavor, it’s a perfect pairing!
And if you’re pondering a delightful end to your meal, Pineapple Pretzel Fluff makes for a fantastic dessert salad – light, sweet, and perfectly refreshing to nibble on after dinner.
If you find yourself cooking with chicken as frequently as we do, you might appreciate taking a peek at ALL of my chicken recipes, conveniently gathered in one spot for your culinary inspiration!
Now that we’ve explored the delicious history, key ingredients, and endless possibilities, let’s dive into making this super easy, incredibly satisfying Chicken Divan casserole with noodles, shall we?
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Print Recipe
Chicken Divan – Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
Equipment
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
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Glass Batter Bowl
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9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
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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
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
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Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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In melted butter or margarine, in a frying pan, saute your chicken breasts for about 15 minutes.
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Steam broccoli and boil and drain noodles.
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In a small bowl prepare the sauce: soup, mayo, curry, salt, and lemon juice. Combine.
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Place noodles on the bottom of your baking dish. Cover with chicken breasts, then broccoli, then top with sauce.
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Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on May 24, 2013. It has been updated to improve user experience and was re-shared on February 10, 2021.
Don’t ever second-guess if your chicken is perfectly cooked again! This indispensable Thermapen Mk4 is, without a doubt, the best meat thermometer I have ever owned and a must-have tool for every home chef.