Growing up in my grandmother’s kitchen, I learned that some recipes are more than just food. They’re memories waiting to be shared. The chicken divan recipe with sherry parmesan sauce captures that magic. It transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that has delighted families for over 80 years.
This iconic casserole tells a story of culinary innovation. It was born in the kitchens of the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City. With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly balanced flavors, chicken divan represents more than just a meal. It’s a connection to our gastronomic heritage.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to bring warmth and elegance to your dinner table. Prepare to embark on a delicious journey through a timeless dish. It has captured the hearts of food lovers for generations.
Get ready to discover why this sherry parmesan chicken divan recipe has maintained its popularity. It has earned a remarkable 4.75 out of 5 rating from passionate home chefs across the country.
The History and Origins of Chicken Divan
Chicken divan is a beloved comfort food in America for many years. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a journey from fancy restaurant dishes to family favorites. This classic casserole has won the hearts of many home cooks.
Birth at the Divan Parisien Restaurant
In the 1950s, the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City’s Chatham Hotel was the birthplace of chicken divan. Chef Anthony Lagasi created this dish. It was a mix of fine dining elegance and hearty flavors.
Evolution from Fine Dining to Home Kitchens
Soon, chicken divan became a favorite in home kitchens. Home cooks loved it for its simplicity and delicious taste. It was easy to make and fit perfectly into family meals.
Cultural Impact on American Cuisine
Chicken divan shows the shift in American cooking in the mid-20th century. It was a convenient yet tasty option for families. Its flexibility led to many variations, making it a staple in American cooking.
- Originated in New York City in the 1950s
- Transformed from restaurant specialty to home staple
- Represents mid-century American cooking innovation
- Continues to be a popular comfort food recipe
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Divan
To make a tasty chicken divan, you need the right ingredients. These ingredients make the dish go from good to great. Start by picking the best parts for your recipe.
- Fresh Chicken: 3 cups of cooked, chopped chicken breasts
- Broccoli: 1½ pounds of crisp broccoli florets
- Cheese Blend: 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- Creamy Base: 10.5 ounces of condensed cream soup
- Moisture Enhancers: ⅔ cup sour cream and ½ cup milk
Cooking sherry is key for a rich flavor. It turns your dish into a gourmet delight. Parmesan cheese adds a special taste that goes well with the creamy sauce.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 3 cups | Protein base |
| Broccoli | 1½ pounds | Vegetable component |
| Sherry | 2-3 tablespoons | Flavor enhancement |
Seasoning is what makes your chicken divan stand out. Use ½ teaspoon of herbs and ¼ teaspoon of seasoned salt. The quality of your ingredients is what makes your dish a hit.
The Art of Preparing Fresh Broccoli and Chicken
To make a tasty broccoli casserole, you need to prepare your ingredients well. Start with the freshest, best-quality chicken and broccoli. This will make your dish delicious.
Selecting Premium Broccoli
When picking broccoli for your dish, look for these signs:
- Bright green, firm florets
- Tight, compact head with no yellowing
- Fresh, crisp stems without soft spots
- Organic preferred for best flavor
Chicken Preparation Techniques
Getting your chicken right is key for a great broccoli casserole. Here are some tips for tender, tasty meat:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels
- Season generously with salt and pepper
- Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes
Temperature and Timing Guidelines
| Ingredient | Preparation Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Sauté/Bake | 165°F (74°C) | 10-15 minutes |
| Broccoli | Steam | Tender-crisp | 3-4 minutes |
Pro tip: Always use a meat thermometer. This ensures your chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C) for your broccoli casserole.
chicken divan recipe sherry parmesan recipe
Making the perfect chicken divan with sherry parmesan is all about precision and passion. This creamy dish combines rich flavors, turning a simple meal into a masterpiece. Your kitchen will fill with the aroma of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luxurious sauce.
Here are the key ingredients for your chicken divan:
- 24 oz boneless chicken breasts
- 1.5 lbs broccoli florets
- 2 oz dry sherry
- 1 cup fat-free milk
- 6 oz reduced-fat Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
The secret to a great creamy chicken dish is in the preparation. Start by cooking chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side until they’re golden and cooked through. Blanch the broccoli florets for exactly 3 minutes to keep them vibrant and crisp.
Here’s how to cook the Chicken Divan to perfection:
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Layer chicken and broccoli in a baking dish
- Prepare the sherry cream sauce
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli
- Sprinkle cheese and breadcrumb topping
- Bake for 30 minutes
This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. It has about 525.83 calories per serving, with 40.60g of protein and important nutrients. Your homemade sherry parmesan chicken divan will be a hit with your family, balancing taste and nutrition.
Creating the Perfect Sherry Cream Sauce
Making a great parmesan cheese sauce needs care and precision. Your sherry wine sauce will make the Chicken Divan shine. It turns a simple dish into a true masterpiece.
The key to a fantastic sauce is knowing its main parts. Let’s look at the important elements that will make your dish stand out:
Achieving the Right Consistency
The secret to a perfect sherry wine sauce starts with a classic roux. You’ll need:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup dry sherry
Incorporating Parmesan Cheese
When adding Parmesan to your sauce, how you do it matters. Slowly add 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan, stirring constantly. This prevents clumps and makes the cheese melt smoothly. It should create a velvety texture that sticks to the back of a spoon.
Balancing Flavors with Seasonings
Your parmesan cheese sauce comes to life with the right seasonings. Add a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley. These can take the sauce from good to amazing.
Pro tip: Choose a dry or medium-dry sherry. It balances the flavors well, adding depth without overpowering the dish’s delicate tastes.
Assembling and Baking Techniques
Making the perfect chicken and broccoli bake needs precision and care. Your Chicken Divan casserole will come to life with careful layering and baking. This ensures maximum flavor and texture.
Begin by preparing your baking dish. A standard 13×9 inch pan is best for this classic chicken casserole. Lightly grease the dish to prevent sticking and make serving easy.
Layering Techniques
- Spread a thin layer of creamy sauce at the bottom of the dish
- Arrange broccoli florets in an even layer
- Place cooked chicken pieces uniformly across the broccoli
- Pour remaining sherry cream sauce over the ingredients
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs on top
Baking Specifics
| Baking Parameter | Recommended Setting |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 375°F (190°C) |
| Baking Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Desired Outcome | Golden brown top, bubbling sauce |
Look for visual cues that your chicken and broccoli bake is done. A golden-brown top, bubbling edges, and an internal chicken temperature of 165°F are key. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows flavors to settle and makes serving easier.
Pro tip: Cover the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes. This prevents excessive browning. Then, uncover to get that crispy top.
Wine Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Make your classic American cuisine better with the right wine and sides. Chicken Divan is a dish that needs great wine and side pairings. This will make your meal unforgettable.
Complementary Wine Selections
The creamy Chicken Divan needs wines that balance its flavors. Here are some white wines that pair well:
- Chardonnay: A medium-bodied white that complements the creamy sauce
- Sauvignon Blanc: Provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole
- Pinot Grigio: Offers a light, clean flavor profile
Ideal Side Dishes
Choose sides that make your Chicken Divan even better:
- Roasted asparagus with garlic
- Light mixed green salad
- Herb-roasted fingerling potatoes
Presentation Tips
Make your Chicken Divan look fancy with these tips:
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley
- Use a white ceramic dish for elegant presentation
- Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for added texture
| Wine Type | Flavor Profile | Pairing Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Buttery, smooth | Excellent |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp, acidic | Very Good |
| Pinot Grigio | Light, refreshing | Good |
Pro tip: Serve your Chicken Divan at room temperature for the best flavor and texture, allowing the complex flavors to shine through.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Keeping your creamy chicken dish tasty means storing and reheating it right. Your Chicken Divan stays delicious for days with these tips.
Refrigeration is key to keeping your chicken casserole fresh. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Here are some storage tips:
- Cool the chicken casserole completely before storing
- Use a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid
- Store in the refrigerator at 40°F or below
- Label the container with the date of preparation
When reheating, warm it gently to keep the texture and flavor. Two methods work well:
- Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Cover casserole with aluminum foil
- Heat for 20-30 minutes until warmed through
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F
- Microwave Method:
- Use medium power setting
- Heat in 1-minute intervals
- Stir between intervals for even heating
- Check temperature before serving
For longer storage, freeze your Chicken Divan for up to 3 months. Wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Modern Variations and Dietary Adaptations
The classic chicken divan recipe has changed to fit different diets and tastes. With 57% of people wanting healthier versions, cooks are making broccoli casserole their own.
Today’s cooking trends have made the sherry Parmesan recipe flexible for many diets. Here are some common changes:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond or coconut flour instead of regular flour
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice or pasta for cauliflower rice
- Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken
Healthier eating is a big trend, with 25% of homes avoiding gluten. This has led to new ways to make chicken divan without losing its taste.
| Dietary Adaptation | Key Modifications | Calorie Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Almond flour coating | Reduced by 15-20% |
| Low-Carb | Cauliflower base | Reduced by 25-30% |
| Vegetarian | Tofu protein replacement | Reduced by 10-15% |
Whether you’re watching your diet or have special needs, these changes let everyone enjoy a tasty broccoli casserole. The trick is to try different versions until you find the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
Sherry Parmesan Chicken Divan is more than a meal. It’s a journey through comfort food recipes that connect generations. Your kitchen becomes a time machine, keeping classic American cuisine alive with every bite.
This dish turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable dining experience. It speaks to the heart of home cooking. It’s a way to share love through food.
When you make Chicken Divan, you’re not just cooking dinner. You’re creating a moment that connects past and present. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and roasted broccoli bring back family gatherings and warm memories.
Comfort food recipes like this remind us that great meals are about sharing love. They’re not just about nutrition.
Try adding your own twists to this timeless recipe. Whether it’s for dietary needs or personal flavor, Chicken Divan remains a favorite. Your family will love the care and tradition you bring to dinner.
Chicken Divan invites you to explore culinary creativity while honoring cooking traditions. It shows how simple ingredients, made with passion, can create meals that nourish both body and soul.
FAQ
What is the origin of Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan started at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City. It was once a fancy dish but now it’s a favorite comfort food in America. It’s loved by families across the country.
What are the key ingredients in a traditional Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan needs chicken breast, broccoli, Parmesan cheese, sherry wine, cream, and spices. Using top-quality ingredients is key to its rich taste.
Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chicken Divan ahead. Prepare it up to 24 hours before and chill it. Then, bake it until it’s golden and bubbly. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Are there gluten-free variations of this recipe?
Yes! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch in the sauce. Make sure all ingredients are gluten-free. You can also skip breadcrumbs or use gluten-free ones.
What wine pairs best with Chicken Divan?
A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with Chicken Divan. These wines match the creamy sauce and rich flavors, making for a nice meal.
How can I make the dish lighter or lower in calories?
To cut calories, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and choose reduced-fat cheese. Use skinless chicken and more broccoli. Less sauce makes it lighter.
Can I freeze Chicken Divan?
Yes, freeze Chicken Divan for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic and foil. Thaw it in the fridge and reheat at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
What are some creative variations of the classic recipe?
Add mushrooms, try Gruyère cheese, or use spinach instead of broccoli. A panko breadcrumb topping is tasty. You can also use turkey or add Mediterranean herbs and spices.