Chicken Divan: A Creamy, Elegant, and Surprisingly Simple Recipe
Chicken Divan is a classic dish known for its creamy, dreamy sauce and the delightful crunch of broccoli and bread crumbs. It's elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight meal. This recipe breaks down how to make this timeless comfort food, optimizing it for both taste and search engine visibility.
Understanding the Keywords: SEO for Chicken Divan
Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk SEO. The primary keyword here is "Chicken Divan recipe," but we can expand on that. Think about what people searching for this dish might also be looking for:
- Variations: "easy chicken divan recipe," "healthy chicken divan recipe," "light chicken divan recipe," "chicken divan casserole recipe"
- Dietary Restrictions: "low carb chicken divan," "gluten free chicken divan"
- Specific Ingredients: "cream of mushroom chicken divan," "broccoli chicken divan"
By incorporating these related keywords naturally throughout the article, we improve the chances of our recipe appearing in relevant searches.
Ingredients for a Delicious Chicken Divan
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed.
- For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Chicken Divan
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Steam the Broccoli: While the chicken cooks, steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Don't overcook!
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Layer half of the cooked broccoli in the prepared baking dish. Top with the cooked chicken, then pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli. Layer the remaining broccoli on top. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations for Your Chicken Divan
- Make it Healthier: Use reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup and less mayonnaise. Consider adding other vegetables like peas or carrots.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
- Add Some Crunch: Use panko bread crumbs for an extra-crispy topping.
- Cheese Please!: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Divan hot, as a main course. It pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread.
This detailed recipe, incorporating relevant keywords and variations, is optimized for search engines while providing a user-friendly and delicious experience. Remember to promote your blog post across social media and other platforms for maximum reach. Happy cooking!
