Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and its elegant presentation of chicken and broccoli. The dish, believed to have been created at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City’s Chatham Hotel in the early 20th century, has become a beloved comfort food that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luxurious sherry-infused sauce. This particular version, clipped from The Birmingham News in August 2012, offers a traditional take on the dish, highlighting the importance of simple yet high-quality ingredients.

Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan Food History

Chicken Divan has its roots in early 20th-century American cuisine, where it was initially served as a sophisticated dish in upscale restaurants. The original recipe featured a combination of poached chicken, blanched broccoli, and a Mornay sauce—a béchamel sauce enriched with cheese—flavored with sherry. This dish was designed to be both visually appealing and rich in flavor, making it a favorite for formal dinners and gatherings.

Over the years, Chicken Divan became a popular dish in American households, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s when casseroles were all the rage. The recipe was often simplified for home cooks, using ingredients like canned soup and frozen broccoli to speed up the preparation process. However, this version returns to the dish’s roots by using fresh ingredients and a homemade sauce, offering a more authentic and flavorful experience.

Explore our collection of other Chicken Recipes, along with various Vintage Dinner Recipes that will delight your taste buds!

Timeline

• Early 20th Century: Chicken Divan is created at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City, quickly becoming a signature dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and elegant presentation.
• 1950s-1960s: The dish gains popularity in American households as casseroles become a staple of home cooking. Simplified versions of Chicken Divan using convenience ingredients like canned soup become common.
• 2012: This traditional version of Chicken Divan, as featured in The Birmingham News, highlights a return to the dish’s original elegance, with fresh ingredients and a homemade, sherry-infused sauce.
• Present Day: Chicken Divan remains a beloved comfort food, often served at family gatherings, holiday dinners, and potlucks. The dish continues to be appreciated for its rich flavor and the nostalgic connection it offers to mid-20th-century American cuisine.

Recipe Discussion

This Chicken Divan recipe is a classic rendition that showcases the dish’s traditional flavors and techniques. It begins with fresh broccoli, which is trimmed into spears and cooked in boiling, salted water until tender. The broccoli serves as the base of the dish, providing a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.

The sauce itself is made by creating a roux from butter and flour and gradually adding chicken broth to form a thick, velvety base. This sauce is seasoned with salt and pepper and enhanced with the addition of sherry and lemon juice, which bring a subtle acidity and depth of flavor. Whipped cream is then folded into the sauce, giving it a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the other ingredients.

The cooked chicken breasts are sliced thin and arranged over the broccoli, then covered with the creamy sauce. A portion of the sauce is also mixed with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding a savory, umami-rich element. The casserole is topped with additional Parmesan and broiled just before serving, creating a golden, bubbling crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and broccoli.

This recipe’s use of sherry and lemon juice, along with the broiling step, elevates the dish from a simple casserole to a sophisticated entrée that is both comforting and elegant. The result is a perfect meal for special occasions, yet simple enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner.

Preparation Tips

• Blanching Broccoli: When boiling broccoli, be careful not to overcook it. The goal is to keep the broccoli tender yet firm so it holds up well under the sauce without becoming mushy.
• Making the Roux: When making the roux for the sauce, cook the butter and flour mixture over low heat for a few minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, but be sure not to let it brown. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, thick sauce.
• Whipping the Cream: Whip the cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the sauce to maintain its light, airy texture. This step adds a luxurious richness to the sauce, balancing the acidity from the lemon juice and sherry.

Recommended Kitchen Items

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• Broiler Pan: A flameproof broiler pan is ideal for this dish, ensuring the Chicken Divan browns evenly under the broiler.
• Saucepan: A heavy-bottomed saucepan is essential for making the roux and sauce, as it distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching.
• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer helps whip the cream quickly and to the perfect consistency, ensuring a light, fluffy texture in the final dish.

Serving Suggestions

• With Rice: Serve Chicken Divan over white or wild rice bed to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Crisp Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing side that complements the richness of the Chicken Divan.
• Buttered Rolls: Warm, buttered rolls are perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce and adding an extra touch of comfort to the meal.

Savor the Classic Elegance of Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is a timeless dish that brings together the comforting flavors of chicken, broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce. This version, with its homemade sherry-infused sauce and freshly grated Parmesan, pays homage to the dish’s origins while offering a taste of mid-20th-century American culinary tradition. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply enjoying a comforting meal at home, Chicken Divan is sure to impress with its blend of flavors and its elegant presentation. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a dish that has stood the test of time.