Updated January 26, 2020
Chicken divan was one of the first dishes I made for Andy, and it turned out to be one of his favourites. They say “the way to a mans heart is through his stomach.” Well that rings true because we’ve been together for over 20 years.
Start the casserole with a bed of broccoli. This adds a layer that mixes seamlessly with the chicken and sauce. Even steadfast broccoli cynics won’t be able to resist.
Next you have tender chunks of chicken bathed in cream of chicken soup mixed with a very subtle blend of curry. With only a teaspoon of curry powder, it brightens the creamed soup by adding the earthy notes of cumin and turmeric. The result is a creamy sauce that is complex yet mild.
Finish with a cheddar cheese and bread crumb topping.
Once the chicken divan is fully cooked, serve over steaming hot white rice.
Using a clay baker
If available, using a clay baker to bake this dish is ideal. Simply soak the clay baker for 20 – 30 minutes in cold water. When ready, remove from the water, drain the baker and dry it with a towel. Add the broccoli, chicken, soup mixture and topping. Place the clay baker in the oven and bring up to temperature with the oven. This technique of cooking seals in moisture and flavour, resulting in a delicious meal every time.
Kims Chicken Divan
Equipment
- Clay baker
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli
- 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts cut into 2 inch (approx.) cubes
- 1½ tbsp vegetable oil
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp curry powder
- ½ tsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1½ tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp bread crumbs
- 1 cup old cheddar grated
Instructions
- Steam broccoli briefly leaving still slightly crisp, set aside, reserve cooking liquid
- In a large non stick frying pan heat oil, add chicken with salt and pepper , fry stirring occasionally until no longer pink inside and a little browning is starting to appear – set aside
- In a medium bowl add chicken soup, curry, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and 1/2 a soup can of broccoli cooking water, whisk well until smooth, set aside
- In a medium bowl melt butter, stir in bread crumbs, and toss in grated cheese, set aside.
- In a soaked clay baker arrange broccoli.
- Layer the chicken on top of the brocolli.
- Pour the soup mixture over the the chicken and top with the grated cheese mixture.Put in a cold oven and turn heat to 350℉, bake for 45 minutes until bubbly – serve over hot rice. Enjoy.
