Chicken Divan

A classic American casserole dish

Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish that combines chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce. It is often topped with cheese and breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown. The dish is named after the Divan Parisien Restaurant in the Chatham Hotel in New York City, where it was first created in the early 20th century.

History

A serving of Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan was originally created by a chef at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in the 1950s. The dish was designed to showcase the chef's culinary skills and was served as a signature dish at the restaurant. Over time, Chicken Divan became popular across the United States and is now considered a staple of American comfort food.

Ingredients

The traditional ingredients for Chicken Divan include:

• Cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
• Steamed broccoli
• A creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sour cream, or cream of mushroom soup
• Cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs for topping

Preparation

To prepare Chicken Divan, the cooked chicken and broccoli are arranged in a baking dish. The creamy sauce is poured over the top, and the dish is sprinkled with cheese and breadcrumbs. It is then baked in the oven until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

Variations

There are many variations of Chicken Divan, with some recipes using different types of cheese or adding additional ingredients such as rice, mushrooms, or onions. Some versions use a béchamel sauce instead of the traditional creamy sauce.

Serving

Chicken Divan is typically served as a main course, often accompanied by rice or pasta. It is a popular dish for family dinners and potlucks due to its rich flavor and ease of preparation.

Related pages

• Casserole
• Comfort food
• American cuisine