Amy’s Chicken Divan Casserole

🍗🥦🍲 Amy’s Chicken Divan Casserole 🍗🥦🍲

Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, all topped with cheese and sometimes breadcrumbs. It’s a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to prepare it.

History:
Chicken Divan is believed to have originated in the Divan Parisien Restaurant of the New York City Chatham Hotel in the early 20th century. It was created by chef Lagasi, who named the dish after the restaurant itself. Over the years, it has become a beloved American comfort food.

Components:

1. Chicken: Typically, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are used. They’re usually cooked and cubed.

2. Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are the vegetable of choice. They add a delightful crunch and vibrant color to the dish.

3. Sauce: The sauce is the heart of Chicken Divan. It’s a creamy mixture made from ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and grated Parmesan cheese. Some recipes also include curry powder for a unique flavor.

4. Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is commonly used for its bold flavor. It’s grated and sprinkled over the top, creating a gooey, golden-brown crust.

5. Breadcrumbs (optional): Some recipes call for breadcrumbs on top for added texture. They can be plain or seasoned.

Preparation Steps:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Amy’s Chicken Divan Casserole:

1. Cook the Chicken: Season and cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the center. You can grill, bake, or sauté it. Then, cube or shred it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Blanch the Broccoli: Boil or steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender-crisp. Plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, condensed cream of mushroom soup, grated Parmesan cheese, and optional curry powder. Mix until smooth.

4. Layer the Casserole: In a greased casserole dish, layer the cooked chicken and blanched broccoli.

5. Pour the Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring everything is well coated.

6. Top with Cheese (and Breadcrumbs): Sprinkle a generous amount of grated sharp cheddar cheese on top. If desired, add breadcrumbs for an extra layer of texture.

7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.

8. Serve: Let it cool slightly, then serve your delicious Chicken Divan Casserole.

Time Needed:

• Cooking and prepping the chicken: 20-25 minutes.
• Blanching broccoli: 5-7 minutes.
• Preparing the sauce: 5-7 minutes.
• Assembling the casserole: 10-15 minutes.
• Baking: 25-30 minutes.

In total, you can expect to spend approximately 65-84 minutes to prepare Amy’s Chicken Divan Casserole, depending on your cooking speed and experience.

Enjoy this delightful comfort food dish, and don’t forget to serve it with a smile! 😊🍽️👩‍🍳

Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amy’s Chicken Divan Casserole:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Sugars: 2-3 grams
• Fat: 25-30 grams
• Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
• Cholesterol: 60-80 mg
• Sodium: 600-800 mg
• Potassium: 400-500 mg
• Vitamin A: 20-25% DV
• Vitamin C: 40-50% DV
• Calcium: 15-20% DV
• Iron: 6-8% DV

Health Information:

1. Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

2. Vegetables: Broccoli provides important vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. It’s also low in calories.

3. Sauce: The creamy sauce in Chicken Divan often contains mayonnaise and sour cream, which can be high in fat and calories. Consider using light or low-fat versions to reduce the overall fat content.

4. Cheese: While cheese adds flavor and calcium, it’s also high in saturated fat and sodium. Use it in moderation.

5. Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you’re watching your salt intake. You can opt for low-sodium or sodium-free soup and sauces.

6. Calories: The calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. If you’re concerned about calories, consider smaller portions or lighter ingredient choices.

7. Fiber: While this dish is not particularly high in fiber, the broccoli does provide some dietary fiber, which can aid digestion.

8. Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken Divan contains notable amounts of vitamins A and C from the broccoli, which are essential for immune function and overall health.

9. Variations: You can make this dish healthier by using skinless chicken, reducing the amount of cheese, and using low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the sauce.

Remember that the exact nutritional content can vary based on the recipe and specific ingredients used, so it’s a good idea to calculate the nutrition facts using a recipe calculator if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions. Enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet.