Heritage Chicken Divan
Heritage Chicken Divan is a comforting classic that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce atop a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It's a dish that's sure to warm your heart and delight your taste buds.
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Ingredients for Heritage Chicken Divan
The base of this dish is chicken breasts, which provide a lean and tender protein. Broccoli florets add color and nutrition, pairing perfectly with the rich flavors. Sharp cheddar cheese offers a robust cheesy goodness that ties everything together. The creamy element comes from a mix of mayonnaise and sour cream, which blend into the sauce beautifully. Chicken broth is key for creating a savory base for the sauce. A bit of unsalted butter adds richness, while all-purpose flour thickens the sauce. Onion and garlic provide aromatic depth. Seasonings like salt, black pepper, and paprika enhance the flavors, and a touch of lemon juice brightens the dish. Finally, breadcrumbs sprinkled on top create a delightful crunch.
Heritage Chicken Divan Tips & Tricks
- For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs before cooking.
- Use a mix of breadcrumbs and crushed crackers for an extra crispy topping.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Serving Ideas for Heritage Chicken Divan
Serve this dish with a simple side salad and a slice of crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. A glass of white wine pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
- What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
- Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a tangier flavor.
- Can this dish be made ahead?
- Absolutely! Assemble it a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Heritage Chicken Divan Recipe Walkthrough
First, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, steam your broccoli florets until they're just tender and a vibrant green, about five minutes should do. Next, you'll want to cook the chicken breasts. Heat a little oil in a pan, and cook them until browned on both sides and fully cooked through, roughly 7-10 minutes per side. Let them cool a bit, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Now, for the sauce. Melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent. Stir in the flour and let it cook for a minute, then slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the sauce thickens. Take it off the heat and mix in the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice.
In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and the creamy sauce. Mix everything well and then transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with your shredded cheddar cheese. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter, and sprinkle this over the cheese.
Pop it into your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Once baked, let it cool slightly before diving in.
Why This Heritage Chicken Divan Works
- Combines rich flavors with a hint of lemony brightness.
- Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
- Easy to prepare with ingredients you likely already have.
- Offers a satisfying blend of textures: creamy, crispy, and tender.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. Steam broccoli florets until tender and vibrant green, about 5 minutes.
- 3. Cook chicken breasts until browned and fully cooked, approximately 7-10 minutes per side. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
- 4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
- 5. Stir in flour, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, cooking until thickened.
- 6. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice.
- 7. In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, and sauce, mixing well.
- 8. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top evenly.
- 10. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter, then sprinkle over cheese.
- 11. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- 12. Remove from oven, let cool slightly before serving.