Authentic Chicken Divan

🍗🥦 Sure, I’d be delighted to share information about Authentic Chicken Divan, along with a step-by-step guide, history, and preparation time! 🍽️

What is Authentic Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish consisting of chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce. It’s typically baked in the oven and often topped with cheese and breadcrumbs for a delicious, comforting meal.

History:
Chicken Divan’s history is somewhat disputed, but it is widely believed to have originated at the Divan Parisienné restaurant in the New York Chatham Hotel in the early 20th century. The dish was created by chef Lagasi and named after the restaurant, hence the name “Divan.” Over the years, Chicken Divan became a popular dish in American cuisine, loved for its rich and creamy flavors.

Components:

• Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are traditionally used, although some variations use asparagus or other vegetables.
• Sauce: The creamy sauce is typically made with a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, curry powder, and lemon juice.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is often sprinkled on top for a gooey, delicious finish.
• Breadcrumbs: To add a nice crunchy texture to the top.

Preparation:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare Authentic Chicken Divan:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then bake, grill, or sauté it until it’s cooked through. Cut it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Blanch the Broccoli: Boil a pot of water and briefly blanch the broccoli florets (about 3 minutes) until they’re slightly tender. Drain and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, curry powder, and lemon juice until well combined.

4. Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, layer the cooked chicken and blanched broccoli. Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring everything is well coated.

5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by breadcrumbs for some crunch.

6. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and the top is golden brown.

7. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve your delicious Chicken Divan.

Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for Authentic Chicken Divan usually takes around 45-60 minutes. It’s a wonderful dish for family dinners or gatherings and is sure to be a hit! Enjoy! 🍽️😊👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

🍗🥦 Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Chicken Divan:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1 cup):

• Calories: ~400-450 kcal
• Protein: ~25-30g
• Carbohydrates: ~12-15g
• Dietary Fiber: ~2-3g
• Sugars: ~3-5g
• Fat: ~30-35g
• Saturated Fat: ~8-10g
• Cholesterol: ~75-90mg
• Sodium: ~500-700mg
• Potassium: ~400-500mg
• Calcium: ~200-250mg
• Iron: ~2-3mg
• Vitamin C: ~30-40mg
• Vitamin A: ~700-800 IU

Health Information:

• Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Fiber: Broccoli provides dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
• Healthy Fats: The fat content primarily comes from mayonnaise and cheese. While it’s high in fat, they provide a source of healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats).
• Vitamins: This dish is a good source of vitamin C (from the broccoli), vitamin A (from the cheddar cheese), and other essential nutrients.
• Calcium: Cheddar cheese contributes to calcium intake, supporting bone health.
• Sodium: Depending on how it’s prepared, Chicken Divan can be relatively high in sodium. Consider low-sodium options for a healthier dish.
• Portion Control: Due to its calorie and fat content, it’s advisable to enjoy Chicken Divan in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Please note that the specific nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and preparation methods used. To make Chicken Divan a healthier option, you can consider using low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, reduce the cheese, and choose whole-grain breadcrumbs for added fiber. Additionally, you can serve smaller portion sizes to reduce calorie intake.