Creamy Paula Deen Chicken Divan Recipe with Savory Sauce

Chicken divan by Paula Deen elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent with its luxurious layers of flavor.

Creamy sauce cascades over tender chicken and bright broccoli, creating a symphony of textures.

Each forkful promises comfort and satisfaction beyond ordinary casseroles.

Robust ingredients meld into a harmonious dish that speaks directly to hungry souls.

Families crave this recipe for its straightforward elegance and deeply satisfying profile.

Simple yet sophisticated, the meal transforms standard kitchen staples into something extraordinary.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Divan

• Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F and position the rack right in the center for that perfect, even warmth.

• Build Your Veggie Foundation

Zap frozen broccoli in the microwave, drain the water, and spread it out in a welcoming casserole dish as your green base.

• Layer With Protein Love

Shower the broccoli with tender shredded chicken, creating a delicious comfort food canvas.

• Whip Up Magical Sauce

Blend a creamy dream mix of mushroom soup, tangy mayo, rich sour cream, melty cheddar, zesty lemon, warm curry, and a splash of white wine. Stir until silky smooth and bursting with flavor.

• Create Casserole Magic

Pour your dreamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, gently folding everything together so each bite is packed with incredible taste. Smooth the top with a loving touch.

• Crown With Crispy Delight

Mix parmesan, crunchy breadcrumbs, and melted butter into a golden topping that’ll make taste buds dance. Sprinkle this magical dust across your casserole.

• Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide your masterpiece into the oven and let it transform for 30-45 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden crust and bubbling edges that signal pure deliciousness is ready to devour.

Cooking Tips and Recipe Variations for Divan

Swap shredded chicken with turkey, ham, or even tofu for a delightful twist on the classic recipe. Each alternative brings a unique flavor profile that can transform the entire dish.

Experiment by adding cauliflower, spinach, or sliced bell peppers alongside broccoli to increase nutritional value and create more vibrant colors in your casserole.

Introduce additional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to elevate the creamy sauce’s complexity. A dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can also add a subtle kick for those who enjoy more heat.

Replace standard breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, panko, or toasted almond slivers to create an unexpected and exciting textural element on top of the casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Divan

• Pair with Fresh Greens: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole.
• Complement with Grains: Serve alongside fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the dish's subtle curry notes.
• Garnish with Freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and bright, herbal flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Divan

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm in oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.
• Portion and Preserve: Divide into individual servings before storing. Use glass containers for better preservation and easy microwave reheating. Perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknight meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Paula Deen’s Chicken Divan

• Broccoli: Select fresh or frozen, ensuring vibrant green color and firm texture for maximum nutrition.

• Shredded Chicken: Choose tender, pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie meat for convenient and flavorful protein.

• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Pick high-quality, full-fat versions for rich, luxurious consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp or extra-sharp variety to enhance overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Select fresh, ripe lemons for bright, zesty notes.
• Curry Powder: Choose freshly ground blend for robust, aromatic seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground for intensified taste.
• White Wine: Pick a crisp, dry variety that complements the dish's creamy texture.

• Parmesan Cheese, Breadcrumbs, Butter: Select premium ingredients for golden, crunchy finish that elevates the entire casserole.

Kitchen Tools to Prepare Chicken Divan

• Microwave: Used to quickly thaw and prepare frozen broccoli.
• 11×7-inch Casserole Dish: Perfect for layering ingredients and baking the casserole.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Helps mix sauce and create an even surface in the dish.
• Small Bowl: Needed for mixing crispy topping ingredients.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Accurate for portioning ingredients precisely.
• Oven: Bakes the casserole to golden, bubbly perfection.

Comforting Paula Deen Chicken Divan Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Paula Deen chicken divan combines creamy sauce with tender chicken and broccoli in a classic casserole. Rich layers of comfort showcase Southern cooking comfort that feels like home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups chicken (cooked and shredded)
• 2 packages (10 oz / 284 g) broccoli (chopped, frozen)
• 2 cans (10 ¾ oz / 305 g) cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (sharp, grated)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• ½ cup white wine (dry)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (soft)
• 2 tbsps butter (melted)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
• 1 tsp curry powder
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack positioned centrally for uniform cooking.
2. Base Layer: Microwave the frozen broccoli for 2 minutes, drain thoroughly, and spread evenly in an 11×7-inch casserole dish, then top with shredded chicken to create a foundational protein and vegetable layer.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, lemon juice, curry powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and white wine until achieving a smooth, harmonious blend.
4. Sauce Application: Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and broccoli, using a spatula to ensure complete coverage and a uniform surface.
5. Topping Assembly: Mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter to craft a textured, golden topping, then generously sprinkle across the entire casserole.
6. Baking Process: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns a rich golden-brown and edges become deliciously bubbly, signaling perfect completion.

Notes

• Prepare Ahead: Can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making meal planning effortless.
• Moisture Management: Pat broccoli dry thoroughly to prevent watery texture and maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
• Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for superior melting and deeper flavor profile compared to pre-shredded alternatives.
• Crumb Coating Tip: Toast breadcrumbs lightly before mixing with Parmesan for extra crunch and enhanced nutty undertones.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg