Chicken Divan With Curry
Hey friend! If you’re looking for a dinner that’s super easy to make but feels special, you’ve got to try this Chicken Divan with Curry.
It’s one of those recipes that’s both comforting and full of flavor, perfect for when you want something simple yet impressive.
I love how this dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a little taste of the curry.
It’s honestly one of my go-to meals when I need something quick but still satisfying. And, it’s always a hit with everyone at the table, too!
I’m sure you’ll love how easy it is to whip up, and it comes together in no time.
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
I can already imagine you enjoying every bite, just like I do every time I make it.
Ready to get started cooking? Let’s make this meal together – you’re going to love it! Surely.
How to Cook Chicken Divan with Curry: (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat Your Oven – Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s time to get this meal cooking!
- Cook the Chicken – Cook your chicken however you like – grill, bake, or pan-fry it. Just make sure it’s cooked through. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces once it’s cool enough to handle. Easy enough, right?
- Prep the Broccoli – While the chicken’s cooking, steam your broccoli until it’s tender (about 5-7 minutes). Don’t overcook it – we want it to stay nice and green, not mushy.
- Make the Sauce – In a saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Stir in a tablespoon of flour to make a roux (basically, a fancy term for a thickening agent). Slowly pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of cream, stirring constantly. Add 1 tablespoon of curry powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Trust me, this sauce is the secret to the magic.
- Combine Everything – In a greased baking dish, layer your steamed broccoli and shredded chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over everything, making sure it covers all those tasty bits.
- Top it Off – Sprinkle shredded cheese on top (cheddar works best, but use whatever you like) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is all melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy – Take it out of the oven, let it cool for a minute (if you can wait that long), and dig in! You’ve just made a crowd-pleasing meal in no time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Broccoli
We all know how mushy broccoli can be a disaster. Steaming it for too long turns it into green mush. Keep an eye on it – 5-7 minutes is all you need. Crunchy and bright green is the goal!
Skipping the Curry Powder
This is the magic ingredient, folks! Don’t leave it out or skimp on the amount. It’s what gives this dish that amazing kick. Trust me, your family will thank you.
Not Shredding the Chicken Enough
Big chunks of chicken in this dish? Not a good look. Make sure you shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces so each forkful is balanced with a little bit of everything. No one likes a big chicken hunk in the middle of their casserole.
Not Letting the Cheese Melt Properly
Cheese is the crowning glory! If you pull it out of the oven too soon, it might not be all melty and bubbly. Bake it until the cheese is nice and golden – you want that gooey, cheesy perfection.
Using Low-Fat Cream
I get it, you’re trying to be healthy. But low-fat cream? It just won’t give you that rich, creamy texture. Go full-fat, my friend, and enjoy the creamy goodness. It’s worth it.
Avoid these little slip-ups, and you’ll have a dish that’s both delicious and impressive. Happy cooking!
Best Tips for Making Chicken Divan with Curry
Use Leftover Chicken
Got leftover chicken from a previous meal? Perfect! Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders in this recipe and cuts your prep time in half. It’s a win-win.
Customize the Cheese
While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to get creative with your cheese. Try mozzarella for extra meltiness or a bit of Parmesan for a salty kick. It’s all about what you like!
Make It Ahead
This dish actually gets better after a few hours! If you want to prep it in advance, assemble everything and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven. It’s perfect for busy days.
Add a Crunchy Topping
Want to level up the texture? Sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking. It’ll add a delightful crunch to complement the creamy goodness.
Balance the Curry
If you’re not a huge fan of spicy, start with a smaller amount of curry powder and taste as you go. You can always add more for that perfect balance of flavor.
With these tips, your Chicken Divan with Curry will be even more delicious and easy to make!
Storage and Freezing Chicken Divan with Curry
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve finished your meal (or if you’ve made extra), let the Chicken Divan cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing for Later
Want to freeze some for later? No problem! Just follow these steps:
- Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Store it in an airtight freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag.
Frozen Chicken Divan can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
Now you’ve got a tasty, make-ahead meal for whenever you’re in the mood!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Divan with Curry
- Fresh Green Salad: Serve your Chicken Divan with a light, crisp salad on the side. Something simple like mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love garlic bread? It’s the perfect accompaniment to scoop up any extra sauce and add a crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Rice or Quinoa: If you’re craving something hearty, serve it over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa. It’ll soak up all that delicious curry sauce!
- Roasted Veggies: Roast some carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. The earthy flavor of the veggies complements the creamy, spiced chicken perfectly.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: For something a bit more indulgent, serve your Chicken Divan with crispy roasted potatoes on the side. The crunch of the potatoes adds a nice texture to the meal.
With any of these sides, you’ll have a complete, well-rounded meal that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken, just make sure to fully cook it before shredding or chopping. You can either thaw it first or cook it straight from frozen. Just be sure it’s completely cooked through.
Can I substitute the broccoli?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can swap it for other veggies like cauliflower, green beans, or even spinach. Just make sure they’re tender before adding them to the casserole.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Can I freeze Chicken Divan with Curry?
Yes! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use a different type of curry powder?
Yes! If you have a preferred curry blend or want something milder or spicier, go ahead and swap it out. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I make this dish without cheese?
Sure! If you’re avoiding cheese or want a lighter version, you can skip the cheese entirely, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful.
How do I know when the dish is done?
You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is hot and thick.
The top should be lightly golden brown. If you’re unsure, a quick check with a food thermometer (internal temp should reach 165°F or 74°C) ensures it’s cooked through.
Feel free to ask more questions, I’m here to help you!
Conclusion
And that’s it—your new favorite dinner is ready to rock your taste buds!
Honestly, once you try this Chicken Divan with Curry, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought casseroles again.
Why would you when this homemade goodness is just a few simple steps away? I bet your family and friends will be asking for your secret recipe!
Don’t forget to share your version of this dish with me—I’d love to see how it turned out.
And hey, if you make a little extra, don’t worry, it freezes perfectly for those days when you just want to pop something delicious into the oven.
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Chicken Divan with Curry
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Steam the broccoli: Steam broccoli florets for 5-7 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer the steamed broccoli and chicken. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top.
Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole and add Parmesan, if using.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly, then serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make ahead: You can prep this casserole the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
- Freeze for later: This dish freezes well! Just assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake as directed.
- Substitutions: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier curry powder.
