Chicken Divan Casserole with Sherry Wine

Chicken Divan Casserole with Sherry Wine: Step-by-Step Guide

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As a busy mom, I love a good, comforting casserole that brings everyone together. That’s why I’m excited to share my favorite Chicken Divan Casserole with Sherry Wine recipe. It’s a classic that’s both tasty and simple to make.

This casserole has tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

The sherry wine in this Chicken Divan adds a special depth of flavor. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli make it irresistible. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy dinner.

In the next sections, I’ll show you how to make this delicious Chicken Divan Casserole. We’ll cover everything from picking the right ingredients to baking it. Get ready to wow your loved ones with a dish that’s both comforting and gourmet.

What is Chicken Divan Casserole?

Chicken Divan Casserole is a beloved comfort food in American homes for many years. It started in the early 1900s at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City. This dish is known for its creamy and indulgent taste.

A Brief History of the Dish

The name “divan” comes from the French word for a meeting place or great hall. Over time, Chicken Divan moved from fancy restaurants to family favorites. It’s now a dish many families enjoy making and eating together.

Key Ingredients Overview

The classic Chicken Divan Casserole recipe has cooked chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce with sherry wine. It also includes a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan. Some recipes use condensed cream of chicken soup and cheddar cheese for ease.

If you’re after a cozy chicken and broccoli casserole or a classic comfort food recipe, Chicken Divan Casserole is perfect. It always brings comfort and satisfaction.

Essential Ingredients for the Chicken Divan Casserole with Sherry Wine

To make the perfect easy dinner casserole, Chicken Divan, you need a few key ingredients. At the heart of the recipe are 6 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. You can use either freshly poached breasts or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Chicken Options: Fresh vs. Rotisserie

Fresh chicken lets you control the seasoning and cooking. But, a rotisserie bird saves time and still offers moist, flavorful meat. Your choice depends on what you prefer and how much time you have.

Vegetables to Include

Broccoli florets are the star of Chicken Divan, adding color, texture, and nutrition. You can also try mushrooms or bell peppers for more variety.

Choosing the Right Sherry Cooking Wine

No Chicken Divan is complete without sherry cooking wine. It adds a sophisticated flavor to the creamy sauce. Choose a dry sherry to avoid sweetness overpowering the dish.

The casserole also needs condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients make the casserole rich and indulgent.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious easy dinner casserole. It will surely impress your family and friends.

Preparing the Chicken

To make a tasty Chicken Divan Casserole, start by preparing the chicken right. You can use fresh or rotisserie chicken. The key is to cook and season it well to add lots of flavor.

Cooking Methods for Chicken

Season raw chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Then, cook it until it hits 165°F (74°C). This makes it tender and juicy. You can bake, sauté, or grill it, depending on your preference.

For a quicker option, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It brings a nice roasted taste to the casserole.

Seasoning and Flavoring Techniques

  • Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like thyme or rosemary before cooking. This boosts its flavor.
  • After cooking, shred or dice the chicken into small pieces. This makes it easy to layer in the casserole.

By carefully preparing the chicken and trying out different seasonings, you’ll make a Chicken Divan Casserole that looks great and tastes amazing.

Making the Sauce

The creamy casserole sauce is the heart of the Chicken Divan recipe. It gives the dish a rich and flavorful base. To make this homemade cream sauce, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

Ingredients for the Cream Sauce

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare a Flavorful Base

To make the creamy casserole sauce, start by whisking together the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a large bowl. Mix until well-blended. Then, stir in the dry sherry and the shredded Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This results in a rich, velvety sauce that brings the Chicken Divan casserole to life. Some recipes also call for a teaspoon of curry powder. This adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the sauce. Feel free to experiment with spices and seasonings to find your perfect balance.

creamy casserole sauce

“The sherry cream sauce is the signature component that truly sets Chicken Divan apart from other casserole dishes. Its velvety texture and complex flavors elevate the entire dish.”

Assembling the Casserole

Building the chicken divan casserole is easy. Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This makes it easy to remove and clean later. Place a layer of blanched broccoli florets at the bottom. This adds nutrition and a solid base.

Then, spread the cooked, shredded chicken evenly over the broccoli. It’s important to layer the chicken well. This way, every bite has a mix of great flavors.

Layering the Ingredients

Finally, pour the creamy sauce over the chicken. Make sure it covers the whole surface. This rich and flavorful sauce binds the casserole together, adding its unique taste to each part.

For the top, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese generously over the sauce. You can also add breadcrumbs for extra crunch. This layer makes the casserole look good and adds to the taste and texture.

Tips for Even Distribution

  1. Make sure each layer is spread evenly, from the broccoli to the cheese and breadcrumbs. This ensures every bite tastes the same.
  2. Press down on each layer to remove air pockets. This helps the casserole cook evenly.
  3. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the sauce over the chicken. Be gentle to avoid messing up the layering.
  4. When adding cheese and breadcrumbs, move in circles. This helps cover the top evenly.

By using these layering techniques and tips, you’ll make a chicken divan casserole that looks and tastes great. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Baking the Chicken Divan Casserole

Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) for the final step. This classic dish is baked to perfection. Your kitchen will fill with mouthwatering aromas as the flavors meld together.

The ideal baking temperature for the Chicken Divan casserole is 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the chicken is tender, the broccoli is tender-crisp, and the creamy sauce is golden and melty.

Cooking Time and Testing for Doneness

Bake the assembled casserole, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. It’s ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown. To test, insert a knife into the center – it should be hot. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the rest of the time.

Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and the flavors to fully develop. Each bite will be a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy goodness.

baking casserole

“The key to a perfect Chicken Divan is in the baking – not too long, not too short, but just right to bring out all the flavors.”

IngredientAmountNutritional Value
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)2 cups, cooked & shreddedLean source of protein
Fresh broccoli florets2 cupsRich in vitamins and minerals
Mayonnaise1/2 cupProvides creaminess
Sour cream1/2 cupAdds tanginess and richness
Cream of chicken soup1 can (10.5 oz)Enhances the creamy base
Shredded parmesan cheese1 cupSource of calcium and protein
Sherry (dry)1/4 cupLow in calories, provides antioxidants

By following these baking instructions and using the right ingredients, you’ll end up with a Chicken Divan casserole that’s sure to impress. The baking casserole at the perfect casserole cooking time is the key to unlocking the full flavor potential of this beloved dish.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Divan casserole goes well with many side dishes. Try it over fluffy white rice or egg noodles to catch the sauce. For a lighter choice, a green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus are great.

Best Side Dishes to Pair With

  • White rice
  • Egg noodles
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower)
  • Fresh green salad

Garnishing Ideas

Make your Chicken Divan casserole look better with some garnishes. Use fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives for color and taste. For crunch, add toasted breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a drizzle of sherry also adds a nice touch.

Choose a light, crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to go with it. These wines balance the creamy sauce’s richness with their acidity.

“The key to a perfect Chicken Divan casserole is finding the right balance of flavors and textures. By pairing it with the right side dishes and garnishes, you can elevate the dish to new heights.”

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Chicken Divan Casserole can be enjoyed beyond the first serving. Proper storage and reheating ensure you can relish its flavors for days. Let’s look at the best ways to store casseroles and reheat leftovers for the best taste and texture.

Best Practices for Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the casserole moist and fresh. You can enjoy it for 3-4 days in the fridge.

For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the quality high.

Reheating Tips for Optimal Taste

  • To reheat the whole casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover it with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, until it’s hot.
  • For individual portions, reheat in the microwave. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, until warm.
  • To keep the topping crispy, remove the foil for the last few minutes of oven reheating. This helps the breadcrumbs or cheese stay crunchy.

By using these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy Chicken Divan Casserole for longer. Savor every bite and make the most of your leftovers!

Variations to Try

The classic Chicken Divan recipe is tasty, but you can make it healthier. Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lower-calorie sauce. Choose low-fat cream of mushroom soup for less fat.

Add more sauteed mushrooms, broccoli, or diced bell peppers to boost the veggie content. For a more filling dish, switch white rice to brown rice or quinoa.

Healthier Ingredient Swaps

For a lighter Chicken Divan, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They have less fat than thighs or drumsticks. Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a creamy sauce with fewer calories.

Try different cheeses like Gruyère or sharp cheddar. They add flavor without needing Parmesan.

Vegetarian Alternative Options

Make a meatless version by using roasted vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also use sauteed tofu or seitan for protein.

Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It gives a savory, cheesy taste without dairy.

Tips for a Perfect Chicken Divan Casserole:

Use Pre-cooked Chicken: If you’re short on time, use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the meat. Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and drain it to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. Get Creative with Toppings: Try adding some grated parmesan to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor and crunch.

FAQ

What is Chicken Divan Casserole?

Chicken Divan is a classic dish. It mixes chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce. It also has sherry wine and parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Where does Chicken Divan Casserole originate from?

It started in the early 1900s at the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City. It combines chicken, broccoli, and a Mornay sauce.

What are the key ingredients in Chicken Divan Casserole?

You need cooked chicken, broccoli, a creamy sauce, and cheese. The name comes from the French word “divan,” meaning a meeting place.

What are some options for the chicken in this recipe?

Use cooked, shredded chicken or a rotisserie chicken. If raw, season and cook it first before adding to the casserole.

What types of vegetables can be used in Chicken Divan Casserole?

Broccoli is key, but you can add mushrooms or bell peppers too.

What type of sherry wine is best for this recipe?

Pick a dry sherry wine. It adds depth without overpowering the dish.

How do you make the creamy sauce for Chicken Divan Casserole?

The sauce has cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, sherry wine, and seasonings. Use salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

How do you assemble the Chicken Divan Casserole?

Layer blanched broccoli, then chicken, and pour the sauce over. Top with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs if you like.

What is the recommended baking time and temperature for Chicken Divan Casserole?

Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Divan Casserole?

Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. A green salad or steamed veggies are also good.

How do you store and reheat leftover Chicken Divan Casserole?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

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