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This lightened up Chicken Divan created from scratch with no canned soups. Just layers of tender chicken breast and broccoli in a flavorful creamy, cheese sauce topped with golden breadcrumbs.

Chicken Divan

In the event you’re in search of a healthier version of this classic casserole dish, look no further! This lighter Chicken Divan is lower in fat and calories, but still filled with flavor. Constructed from scratch with no canned soups. Prep it ahead then pop it within the oven until hot and bubbly at supper time, your loved ones will thanks for this!!  Casseroles are highly requested makeovers, so I attempt to publish a couple of latest ones annually. Some favorites are Manicotti, Broccoli Mac and Cheese, Shepherd’s Pie, simply to name a couple of. Put in your requests here if you will have a favourite.

This healthy version of Chicken Divan is loaded with protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli! It’s a well-liked and comforting American dish perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners.

What’s Chicken Divan?

Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole that typically features chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce. It’s believed to have originated within the Nineteen Thirties on the Divan Parisien restaurant in Latest York City. The dish is called after the restaurant and the word “divan,” which suggests a protracted, low sofa with out a back.

The classic recipe for Chicken Divan typically includes cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, a wealthy and creamy sauce made with plenty of mayonnaise, sour cream, or cream of mushroom soup, and a topping of cheese and breadcrumbs. The casserole is usually baked until golden brown and bubbly.

A Healthier Chicken Divan

Today, there are various variations of Chicken Divan. My version uses lighter ingredients, which also has a gluten-free option. To make a vegetarian version, you should utilize tofu or other chicken substitute.

While most recipes call for canned soup, and quite a bit more fat, this recipe has been significantly lightened up to keep up it’s flavor without all of the added fat.

How To Freeze

• First, ensure that the casserole has cooled completely before freezing. You’ll be able to either freeze the complete casserole, or portion it into individual servings for easier reheating.
• Next, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, after which place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents so you may easily discover it later.
• Once you’re able to reheat, thaw it within the refrigerator overnight, after which bake it within the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly.
• Note that while freezing might help to increase the shelf lifetime of the dish, it may cause the feel of the broccoli to develop into a bit softer and the sauce to separate barely. Nonetheless, these changes mustn’t affect the general flavor of the dish.

You’ll be able to freeze Chicken Divan for as much as 2-3 months or refrigerate for as much as 4 days.

What to serve with Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is a hearty casserole that might be served by itself as a foremost dish, or paired with some complementary sides to make a more complete meal. Listed below are some side dish options:

Variations:

• You’ll be able to make this quicker by utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken breasts, or precooked chicken breasts.
• Can you utilize frozen broccoli? Yes, after all you may, but nothing beats the flavour of fresh broccoli in my view.

More Chicken Recipes

Prep: 30 mins

Cook: 30 mins

Total: 1 hr

Yield: 6 servings

Serving Size: 1 2/3 cup

• Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with olive oil spray.

• In a big skillet, over medium heat add 1 teaspoon olive oil and garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add the broccoli, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of water and canopy.

• Let the broccoli cook until tender crisp, 3 minutes. Transfer to the baking dish.

• Pound the thicker end of the chicken breast to make it even on either side. Brush mayo on the chicken and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper, to taste. 

• Heat the skillet over medium heat, when hot spray with oil and cook the chicken until nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes on both sides.

• Remove from heat and transfer chicken to a cutting board. When cooled, slice chicken into bite sized pieces.

• Reduce the warmth of the skillet to medium heat. Add the butter and remaining oil until melted after which add the shallots and cook until tender, 2 to three minutes.

• Sprinkle the flour cook, stirring about 1 minute. Whisk in broth, milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt and sherry and convey to a simmer about 1 1/2 minutes on low. Remove from heat and stir in half of the Swiss cheese.

• Pour half of the sauce over the broccoli and blend to coat. Arrange the chicken on top and canopy with remaining sauce.

• Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese, grated Parmesan and top with breadcrumbs.

• Spritz slightly oil on top. Bake half-hour, until hot and golden.

Last Step:

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Serving: 1 2/3 cup, Calories: 387 kcal, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 42 g, Fat: 14.5 g, Saturated Fat: 5.5 g, Cholesterol: 112 mg, Sodium: 606.5 mg, Fiber: 3.5 g, Sugar: 5.5 g