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    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Chicken Divan with Curry (Make-Ahead)

    Published: Oct 16, 2022 by Sharon Rigsby · 13 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Pinterest pin showing a large spoonful of chicken divan.

    Chicken Divan with Curry is an iconic, much-loved, made-from-scratch southern chicken casserole that has been around for decades. Made without canned soup, this retro casserole is full of crisp fresh broccoli, succulent chicken, and the best-ever homemade, cheesy mornay sauce with sour cream. 

    This broccoli chicken casserole is simple to make and the epitome of comfort food. Chicken Divan, like my Chicken, Sausage, and Wild Rice Casserole, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, and Hash Brown Chicken Casserole, can be made up to a day ahead and just popped in the oven when you are ready to eat.

    A chicken casserole in a white baking dish.

    This recipe serves eight, so it’s ideal if you are feeding a crowd or a large family. Or, it’s easy to divide up into several smaller baking dishes, and then you can bake one and freeze the rest if you have a smaller family. 

    Because it can be made ahead, it’s as perfect for a quick weeknight meal as it is to serve guests at a dinner party.

    Homemade chicken divan with curry and fresh broccoli is quicker and easier than ever to prepare because I use a purchased rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to save prep time. Leftovers, if you have them, are just as good, if not better, on the second day.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredient notes:
    • Step-by-step directions:
    • Recipe variations:
    • Recipe FAQs:
    • Sharon’s tips:
    • More make-ahead casseroles:
    • 📋 Recipe:

    Ingredient notes:

    Ingredients for chicken divan including broccoli and sour cream.
    • Chicken – tender and moist is an essential ingredient in this classic casserole. To save time, I use a purchased rotisserie chicken.
    • Broccoli – fresh broccoli is best, but you can substitute frozen broccoli florets in a pinch.
    • Butter – forms the base of the roux and mixes with the panko to create the crust.
    • Flour – is cooked in butter to give it flavor and serves to thicken the roux.
    • Chicken stock and white wine – combine with the flour and butter to produce a tasty bechamel sauce.
    • Sour cream and white cheddar cheese – are the two ingredients that transform the bechamel sauce into a rich, cheesy mornay sauce.
    • Kosher salt – enhances all of the flavors.
    • Curry powder – is what makes this chicken divan recipe different from most others. Curry is a blend of sweet and savory spices, including turmeric and coriander. Just a touch adds a unique earthy element that enhances and brings all other flavors together.
    • Lemon juice – adds a bit of acid and a bright citrus note to the rich sauce.
    • Panko bread crumbs – form the base for the crunchy casserole topping.

    Step-by-step directions:

    1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Add the broccoli to a large bowl with two tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl with a plate and microwave for four minutes to blanch it. Or, you can bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Then, add the broccoli and cook for three minutes. Remove from the heat and drain. Set aside.
    Cut up fresh broccoli florets.
    1. Melt four tablespoons of butter in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and one teaspoon of kosher salt when the butter has melted. Cook for two minutes, whisking frequently.
    Flour and butter cooking in a skillet.
    1. Add the chicken stock and wine, and whisk constantly. Cook for about three minutes or until the sauce has thickened. 
    Making a roux in a skillet full of chicken broth, flour and butter.
    1. Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream and one cup of shredded cheese. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
    Making mornay sauce in a large skillet with bowls of chicken and broccoli nearby.
    1. Remove the pan from the heat and add the chicken, broccoli, lemon juice, and curry powder. Mix until everything is well combined. Pour this mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
    Cubed chicken and broccoli pieces in a skillet with mornay sauce.
    1. Melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter and add it to the panko. Add the remaining half cup of shredded cheese. Mix well. Sprinkle the panko/cheese mixture evenly over the casserole. 
    An unbaked chicken casserole topped with panko in a baking dish.
    1. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve immediately.
    A large spoonful of chicken divan above the casserole. the

    Recipe variations:

    Although many chicken divan recipes call for cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, it really doesn’t take much longer to make the homemade mornay sauce than it does to open a can of soup, and there is no comparison in flavor.

    This made-from-scratch recipe is delicious as is, but here are some ideas for variations and substitutions if you want to use ingredients you might have on hand:

    • Instead of panko bread crumbs, you can substitute crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, cornflakes, or french-fried onions to make the topping.
    • You can substitute sherry for the white wine, or if you prefer not to include alcohol, you can add additional chicken stock.
    • Curry powder is what makes this recipe unique. However, you can leave it out if you prefer. You can also substitute Garam Masala, which doesn’t contain turmeric or ground cumin, is also a good substitute.
    • And finally, turkey, especially leftover turkey, is a great substitute for poultry and makes a tasty turkey divan.

    Recipe FAQs:

    What is it?

    Chicken Divan is a decadent casserole filled with succulent chicken and nutritious broccoli, blanketed in a rich cheesy mornay sauce and seasoned with a touch of curry powder.

    And, if that isn’t enough deliciousness for you, it is then covered with a golden brown, crunchy panko, butter, and cheese topping. The story goes that this dish originated in New York at the Divan Parisien restaurant.

    What to serve with it?

    Chicken Divan can be served by itself or served over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, orzo, or cauliflower rice. Because it’s so rich, it pairs well with a simple side salad such as my Cucumber and Tomato Salad, Marinated Carrots, or Romaine Wedge Salad.

    What is a mornay sauce?

    This easy broccoli chicken divan is smothered in a dreamy, creamy mornay sauce, a bechamel sauce with added cheese. Bechamel is a fancy french term for a white sauce made with a roux. It’s considered a “mother” sauce because it is the basis for many sauces and includes butter, flour, and milk or another liquid.  

    How many calories?

    There is no getting around it, this chicken divan casserole is rich and has a whopping 578 calories per serving, so it is not something you would eat every night of the week.

    But, of course, you can keep the calorie count down by simply having a smaller portion.

    How to store leftovers?

    If you have them, leftovers are just as good the next day. They should be stored covered in the refrigerator and will last about four days.

    Leftovers can be covered in foil and reheated in a 350 °F oven for about 20 minutes. A single serving can be reheated on a microwave-safe plate in a microwave for a minute or so.

    Sharon’s tips:

    • You can make this recipe ahead by preparing it as directed without adding the topping or baking it. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, or cover tightly and freeze for up to three months.
    • If you make it ahead, before baking it, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge, then let it sit out for 30 minutes to take the chill off. Add the panko topping, and bake as directed.
    • The secret to a smooth, creamy mornay sauce is constant whisking. If you see lumps, keep whisking until you don’t.
    • I prefer fresh broccoli in this recipe; however, you can substitute frozen broccoli in a pinch. It does not need to be blanched first. You will need at least 20 ounces of frozen broccoli pieces. 
    • When cutting up your broccoli, be sure to discard the tough, thick stalks and just use the tender florets and stems.
    • If you prefer to cook your chicken yourself, here is a link to my Oven-Baked-Bone-In Chicken Breasts recipe. Be sure to save the bones to make Homemade Chicken Stock. It’s a great way to repurpose leftovers, so nothing goes to waste. 

    More make-ahead casseroles:

    If you like make-ahead casseroles as much as I do,  I know you will love these recipes:

    • Chicken Marsala Pasta in a white baking dish.
      Chicken Marsala Pasta with Mushrooms
    • Two crepes on a blue and white plate with chicken and mushroom filling.
      Easy Chicken Crepes with Mushrooms
    • A white baking dish full of baked chicken cordon bleu casserole topped with sauce.
      Cordon Bleu Chicken Casserole with Sauce
    • A large spoonful of Easy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
      Easy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

    Classic King Ranch Casserole and Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole are also make-ahead wonders. In addition, I have a collection of 21 Best Casserole Recipes with Chicken that includes both my recipes and recipes from other bloggers you might be interested in.

    ★★★★★ If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and give it a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones! I hope you come back soon!

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    A round baking dish full of baked chicken divan.

    Chicken Divan with Curry (Make-Ahead)

    Sharon Rigsby
    Chicken Divan with Curry is an iconic, much-loved, made-from-scratch southern chicken casserole that has been around for decades. Made without canned soup, this retro casserole is full of crisp fresh broccoli, tender chicken, and the best-ever homemade, cheesy mornay sauce with sour cream. 
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Southern
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 578 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, about 3 cups chopped chicken
    • 2 large stalks broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces, about 4 cups
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 6 tablespoons butter divided
    • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 ⅔ cups chicken stock
    • ⅓ cup white wine or cream sherry, I used chardonnay, you may substitute chicken stock
    • 16 ounces sour cream
    • 1 ½ cups shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, 6 ounces
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • ⅛ teaspoon curry powder
    • 1 cup panko bread crumbs

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 °F.
    • Add the broccoli to a large bowl with two tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl with a plate and microwave for four minutes to blanch it. Or, you can bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Then, add the broccoli and cook for three minutes. Remove from the heat and drain. Set aside.
    • Melt four tablespoons of butter in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and one teaspoon of kosher salt when the butter has melted. Cook for two minutes, whisking frequently.
    • Add the chicken stock and wine, and whisk constantly. Cook for about three minutes or until the sauce has thickened. 
    • Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream and one cup of shredded cheese. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
    • Remove the pan from the heat and add the chicken, broccoli, lemon juice, and curry powder. Mix well until everything is well combined. Pour this mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
    • Melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter and add it to the panko. Add the remaining half cup of shredded cheese. Mix well. Sprinkle the panko/cheese mixture evenly over the casserole. 
    • Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    You can make this recipe ahead by preparing it as directed without adding the topping or baking it. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, or cover tightly and freeze for up to three months.
    If you make it ahead, before baking it, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge, then let it sit out for 30 minutes to take the chill off. Add the panko topping, and bake as directed.
    The secret to a smooth, creamy mornay sauce is constant whisking. If you see lumps, keep whisking until you don’t.
    I prefer fresh broccoli in this recipe; however, you can substitute frozen broccoli in a pinch. It does not need to be blanched first. You will need at least 20 ounces of frozen broccoli pieces. 
    When cutting up your broccoli, be sure to discard the tough, thick stalks and just use the tender florets and stems.
    If you prefer to cook your chicken yourself, here is a link to my Easy Roasted Bone-In Chicken Breast recipe. Be sure to save the bones to make Homemade Chicken Stock. It’s a great way to repurpose leftovers, so nothing goes to waste. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 578kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 43gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 168mgSodium: 891mgPotassium: 876mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1825IUVitamin C: 137mgCalcium: 312mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

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      Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Casserole (Easy One-Pan Bake)
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 14 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Carin Millligan

      September 09, 2024 at 10:13 am

      5 stars
      It was a hit! Loved the sauce! I added to the broccoli, shitake mushrooms, red bell pepper, onion, garlic and carrots, all cooked with a bit of butter, olive oil and a few splashes of sherry. Great over rice!

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        September 09, 2024 at 6:53 pm

        Excellent, I am so glad you liked it and your additions sound yummy!

        Reply
    2. Barb Brower

      May 19, 2024 at 3:54 pm

      5 stars
      OMG! Delish!
      I am a seasoned cook. And this sauce is to die for. Love the sour cream and wine sauce with white cheese. Of course I used variations of ingredients.
      “Cleaned out the fridge ” as one might say. Used Rose’ wine, chip dip about to time out and a variety of cheeses. However, I believe it is the combination of food types that make this work. It was fabulous.
      I was trying out new recipes for my “Girlfriends ” weekend. With husband’s.
      This is a keeper!
      Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        May 20, 2024 at 1:49 pm

        Hi Barb, I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe and that you felt comfortable using the ingredients you had on hand. I also wanted to thank you for taking the time to let me know.
        All the best,
        Sharon

        Reply
    3. Janj

      September 02, 2022 at 1:03 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for a neighbor who had a loss. Have not had it on our table yet, but that is how much I trust your recipes Sharon. I feel very comfortable taking any of your recipes to someone without having tried them myself! Came together easy and wonderfully. It’s a go to soon for us!

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        September 02, 2022 at 7:42 pm

        Hey Jan, such a sweet comment, you made my day. I hope you guys are doing well.
        Sharon

        Reply
      • IndianaAnna

        April 16, 2023 at 8:14 am

        5 stars
        Recently someone mentioned chicken divan on a https://www.reddit.com/r/Old_Recipes/ post about curry powder, so I went looking for a recipe. I made this recipe, but swapped broccoli for fresh green beans as I am a broccoli hater. It was delicious and the whole family loved it! I served it with rice made with some butter, a little “better than bouillon”, and salt. I love that this recipe eliminated canned cream soup, which I always avoid.

        Reply
    4. Fran S.

      May 19, 2020 at 6:58 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely fabulous!!!! I had a lot of fresh broccoli that I needed to use, & this happened to show up in my inbox. Perfect timing!!! Very simple to make, & it is absolutely delicious!

      Reply
    5. Jen Moore

      April 27, 2020 at 3:18 pm

      5 stars
      Best Chicken Divan EVER! Reminds me of the one my sorority sister in Virginia used to make at college! True Southern dish! Wonderful!!

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        April 28, 2020 at 11:09 am

        Hi Jen,
        You made my day! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and really appreciate your letting me know.
        All my best,
        Sharon

        Reply
        • Jen Moore

          October 07, 2022 at 8:03 pm

          5 stars
          Hands down no other chicken divan recipe even compares! By far it is the best!! THANK YOU & God Bless!! Xoxo Jen

    6. J.A. Watson

      December 20, 2019 at 10:28 am

      5 stars
      So good and easy to make. This one is going in my “go to” recipe box!

      Reply
    7. Mark, CompassandFork

      August 18, 2017 at 3:23 am

      5 stars
      We did a trip through the American south and really enjoyed the food there. Looking forward to trying this one out as well.

      Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, content creator, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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