Heritage Chicken Divan

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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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.

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.

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 Suggestions

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 You'll Love This Recipe

  • 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.

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