Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is pieces of chicken and broccoli smothered with a thick, cream of mushroom soup mixture topped with shredded cheese. This chicken divan comes together in no time! You can use leftover chicken, a rotisserie chicken from a grocery store or use one of the methods, listed below, to cook the chicken. I always loved when my mom made this dish. It’s a one pot dish that will leave you very satisfied.

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The ingredients to this dish couldn’t get anymore simpler. Let’s put this dish together and you’ll be enjoying this classic sooner than later.

List of Ingredients

• PRODUCE: Broccoli, lemon
• Shredded Chicken
• Mayo
• Cream of Mushroom Soup
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooked rice (optional)

So, this recipe was definitely one way my mom got us to eat our veggies! You want to cut your broccoli into fairly small, bite sized pieces. I find that if they are too big I won’t even bother putting it on my fork. And you want the broccoli on the fork! Plus, the smaller they are the more tender they become while baking.

When it comes to the chicken, there are plenty of options. Nowadays most grocery stores have fully cooked rotisserie chickens available which makes life a lot easier if you don’t have the time to cook your own chicken. Following are a couple ways you can cook your own chicken for the Chicken Divan. The methods listed below yield a juicy chicken that is perfect for shredding.

Boiling Method for Chicken Divan

• You can use boneless or bone in breasts or thighs.
• Pour water over the chicken making sure the chicken is fully submerged in the water.
• Bring to a rolling boil and cover.
• If using boneless breasts they will cook within 12-15 minutes. (Internal temperature needs to be 165 degrees Fahrenheit). For bone in it will take 25-30 minutes.
• If using boneless thighs, they will cook within 10 minutes. (Internal temperature needs to be 165 degrees Fahrenheit). For bone in it will take 20-25 minutes.
• If using a whole chicken, it will take about 1 1/2 hours for a 3 pound bird. Add in 15 minutes more for each pound.

Baking Method for Chicken Divan

• For both boneless and bone in chicken breasts and chicken thighs you will want to bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• For the boneless chicken breast it will take about 35-45 minutes, depending on size. (Internal temperature needs to be 165 degrees). For bone in it will take about 45 minutes.
• For the boneless chicken thighs, it will take about 20-30 minutes, depending on size. (Internal temperature needs to be 165 degrees). For bone in it will take about 35-45 minutes.

As far as the chicken goes, you can either shred it or cut it into cubes. You will want your chicken to yield 2 cups either way.

I added cooked rice, about 2 cups, this time around. So, start with the cooked rice (if using), then add the broccoli, next the shredded chicken.

Soup Mixture

Next you will combine your cream of mushroom soup with the mayo and lemon juice and whisk until all combined. Here’s where you, my friend, can change this up a bit. My original recipe called for Cream of Chicken soup but over time I started to use Cream of Mushroom soup. I just think it adds a bit more depth of flavor to this dish. I encourage you to try different soups, to your liking of course. There are so few ingredients to this dish that you can really make it your own. This is just a simple, go to, comfort food made in a seriously short amount of time.

Take your soup mixture and pour it on top of the chicken. It will be thick so you’ll have to spread it around with a spatula. Top with the cheese and bake at 350 degrees until it becomes bubbly around the edges and the cheese melts.

That’s it. And I mean it!! All done…time to put it into your tum tum for some yum yum!! Super easy, super delicious. I like to serve this with a salad (Ceasar)to lighten it up some. Hope you enjoy this satisfying dish.~Christina