A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Authentic Chicken Divan from Scratch
Chicken Divan is a classic American dish that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and baked to perfection. Often served over rice or noodles, this comforting meal has been a family favorite for generations. In this article, we will provide you with an authentic recipe for Chicken Divan, guiding you through each step so you can create this delightful dish from scratch.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make Chicken Divan from scratch, you’ll need the following ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced), 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen), 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional), salt and pepper to taste, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided), and breadcrumbs for topping. Make sure you have everything on hand before starting your cooking adventure.
Prepare the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, start by washing and cutting it into small florets. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and blanch the broccoli for about 3 minutes until it turns bright green but remains crisp. If you’re using frozen broccoli, simply steam it according to the package instructions until tender. Once cooked, drain the broccoli well and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, curry powder (if using), salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth. Add in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture; this will give your sauce an extra cheesy flavor. Stir in the cooked chicken pieces along with your blanched broccoli until everything is evenly coated with that delicious creamy sauce.
Assemble Your Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased baking dish (about 9×13 inches works well), spread out the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle any remaining cheddar cheese over top of this layer followed by a generous amount of breadcrumbs—this will create a lovely crunch once baked. Feel free to add additional seasoning if desired.
Bake and Serve
Place your assembled Chicken Divan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top. Once done baking let it cool for about five minutes before serving—it’s hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles as sides; enjoy your homemade Chicken Divan with family or friends at your next meal gathering.
Now that you’ve mastered making authentic Chicken Divan from scratch using our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to impress everyone at your dinner table. This comforting recipe not only tastes fantastic but also brings warmth into any home-cooked meal experience.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
