Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe with Sherry Wine: A Classic Comfort Food, Elevated
This creamy, dreamy Chicken Divan Casserole gets a sophisticated upgrade with the addition of sherry wine. This recipe delivers a comforting, elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this elevated classic!
What Makes This Chicken Divan Casserole Special?
This recipe isn't your average Chicken Divan. We're taking this beloved casserole to the next level with:
- Sherry Wine: A splash of dry sherry adds depth and complexity to the creamy sauce, elevating the flavors beyond the ordinary. The subtle sweetness and nutty notes perfectly complement the chicken and broccoli.
- Creamy Sauce Perfection: We've perfected the creamy sauce, ensuring it's rich and flavorful without being too heavy. It's the perfect balance of creamy and tangy.
- Tender Chicken: We'll show you how to cook the chicken to ensure it remains juicy and tender, a crucial element for a truly delicious casserole.
- Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: We'll guide you to perfectly steamed broccoli florets, maintaining their vibrant green color and delightful crunch.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to prepare. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (or use leftover roasted chicken)
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup bread crumbs (panko recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for a flawless Chicken Divan Casserole:
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Don't overcook! Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, heavy cream, sherry, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and bread crumbs. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste.
- Don't overcook the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy. Aim for tender-crisp.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Chicken Divan Casserole hot, accompanied by a simple side salad or crusty bread. It's a complete and satisfying meal.
Keywords: Chicken Divan Casserole, Sherry Wine Recipe, Creamy Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Casserole Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Special Occasion Recipe, Broccoli Casserole, Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This optimized recipe post incorporates keywords naturally throughout the text, uses headings and subheadings to improve readability and SEO, and provides a complete and engaging experience for the reader. Remember to always use high-quality images in your blog posts to further enhance engagement.
