Easy, Creamy Paula Deen Chicken Divan Recipe That’s Family-Perfect

Paula Deen’s chicken divan transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that whispers comfort and convenience.

Creamy textures intertwine with savory elements, creating a harmonious blend that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Hearty protein meets vibrant vegetables in this classic casserole, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Families adore this dish for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal, with each bite delivering maximum flavor without complex preparation.

Ingredients dance together seamlessly, proving that home cooking can be both effortless and delectable.

The recipe welcomes culinary creativity, allowing you to personalize and adapt according to your kitchen’s current inventory.

Versatility meets deliciousness in this timeless southern-inspired comfort food: get ready to fall in love.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Chicken Divan

• Veggie Power: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or grilled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version that's packed with protein and earthy flavors.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Add diced artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and swap curry powder for dried oregano to give the dish a Greek-inspired Mediterranean profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced green chiles, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs for a zesty Southwestern kick.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, and use cauliflower instead of broccoli to create a keto-friendly alternative that's equally satisfying.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Chicken Divan

Classic Paula Deen chicken divan emerges as classic Southern comfort cuisine, blending creamy textures with hearty protein and garden-fresh vegetables.

Layers of tender chicken and emerald broccoli nestle beneath a luxurious sauce crafted with signature southern charm.

Parmesan-kissed breadcrumbs create perfect golden crispness atop this nostalgic casserole masterpiece.

Home cooks discover delightful memories through each savory forkful of this legendary dish.

Southern hospitality radiates through carefully balanced ingredients and harmonious flavors.

You’ll find this recipe sparks conversation, warms hearts, connects families – so go ahead, share this culinary treasure, comment with passion, and celebrate delicious tradition.

Why Paula Deen’s Chicken Divan Is Comfort on a Plate

• Creamy Comfort Casserole: Indulge in a luxurious blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a rich, velvety sauce that hugs every bite with pure comfort food magic.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this hassle-free dish in just about an hour, making it the ultimate solution for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion Technique: The clever combination of curry powder, white wine, and multiple cheeses creates a surprisingly complex flavor profile that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Texture Treasure: Enjoy the delightful contrast between the crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping and the smooth, creamy underneath layer, providing a satisfying crunch with every forkful.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Chicken Divan

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish, best when pre-cooked and shredded for easy mixing.
• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that add richness and help bind the sauce together.

• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen vegetable that provides nutritional value and green color to the casserole, best when slightly thawed.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that adds depth of flavor and helps create a smooth sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheeses that add tangy flavor and create a delicious melted topping.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, golden texture to the casserole's surface.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, acidic note to balance the creamy sauce.
• Curry Powder: Brings a warm, subtle spice to the dish.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy topping when mixed with breadcrumbs.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
• White Wine: Adds a subtle depth and complexity to the sauce.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Chicken Divan

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oven rack is centered for even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Broccoli Base

Microwave frozen broccoli for 2 minutes on full power. Drain excess water and spread evenly in an 11×7-inch (28x18cm) casserole dish.

Step 3: Add Protein Layer

Distribute cooked shredded chicken uniformly over the broccoli layer.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Lemon juice
• Curry powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• White wine

Step 5: Coat The Casserole

Pour sauce over chicken and broccoli. Gently mix to ensure complete coverage. Use a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 6: Craft Crispy Topping

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Melted butter

Sprinkle mixture evenly across the casserole.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place casserole in preheated oven. Bake for 30-45 minutes until top turns golden and sauce bubbles around edges.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Chicken Divan

• Drain Broccoli Completely: Squeeze out every drop of moisture from thawed broccoli using paper towels to prevent a soggy casserole.
• Shred Chicken Consistently: Use two forks or a stand mixer to create uniform, bite-sized chicken pieces that soak up sauce perfectly.
• Customize Sauce Texture: Add chicken broth or milk if the sauce feels too thick, creating a silky, smooth coating for all ingredients.
• Mix Topping Ingredients Carefully: Blend breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter until each crumb glistens with buttery goodness for a crisp, golden crust.
• Rest Casserole Before Serving: Give the dish a 5-minute breather after baking, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to set for easier, neater portions.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Chicken Divan

• Freeze: Divide the Chicken Divan into individual portion sizes using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and contents for easy tracking. These pre-portioned meals will stay fresh for up to 2 months, making quick weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled Chicken Divan to a glass or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to maintain optimal freshness. Consume within 3 days for the best taste and texture. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial contamination.

Paula Deen Chicken Divan Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s Chicken Divan delivers classic Southern comfort with creamy broccoli and tender chicken blanketed in a rich, cheesy sauce. Comfort meets elegance in this hearty casserole that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6 cups cooked and shredded chicken

Vegetables and Dairy:

• 2 (10 ounces / 284 grams) packages chopped frozen broccoli
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 2 (10 ¾ ounces / 305 grams) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ½ cup soft breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
2. Defrost the frozen broccoli in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes, then carefully drain excess moisture and arrange the florets in an even layer across an 11×7-inch (28x18cm) casserole dish.
3. Distribute the cooked, shredded chicken uniformly over the broccoli layer, creating a consistent protein base.
4. Craft the creamy sauce by whisking together condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh lemon juice, aromatic curry powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and dry white wine until the mixture becomes silky and well-integrated.
5. Gently cascade the sauce over the chicken and broccoli, using a spatula to ensure every ingredient receives a light coating, then smooth the surface for an even appearance.
6. Create a crispy topping by thoroughly combining grated Parmesan cheese, dried breadcrumbs, and melted unsalted butter in a separate mixing bowl.
7. Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumb mixture evenly across the casserole, covering the entire surface with a light, promising crunch.
8. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate perfect doneness.

Notes

• Crispy, golden topping starts with thoroughly mixing breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter, ensuring every crumb gets coated for maximum crunch.
• Perfectly shredded chicken creates the ideal texture, using forks or a stand mixer to break down meat into uniform, sauce-absorbing pieces.
• Adding a splash of milk or chicken broth rescues a potentially thick sauce, creating smooth, even coating throughout the entire dish.
• Fully thawing and draining broccoli prevents unwanted wateriness, with a quick pat using paper towels removing excess moisture that could ruin the casserole’s consistency.
• Letting the hot casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking allows the sauce to set, making serving smoother and helping flavors meld together beautifully.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: Not specified
• Sodium: 2,508mg
• Fat: 20.9g
• Saturated Fat: 7.6g
• Carbohydrates: 20.7g
• Fiber: 3.2g
• Protein: 43.8g
• Cholesterol: 114.2mg