Casseroles have been my most comforting meal options, especially during winter. The comforting, warm notes, layered with tempting meaty flavours, are all you need to satisfy your hunger.
That is why I don’t miss any opportunity to bake a casserole. Having said that, the one recipe that has always been made more than thrice in winters every year is Paula Deen Chicken Divan Casserole.
I have got to tell you that if you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen during the holidays, then this dish is a perfect option. To be honest, this dish delivers the right amount of hearty, cheesy notes, leaving me full and contented after just a few bites.
For me, the best part is that I just need to prepare the ingredients and then let them bake. It really makes my cooking time therapeutic. This is why I am here to ask you to at least bake this casserole once, and there is no going back.
Equipment Required
- Oven: The Chicken Divan Casserole will be baked in an oven.
- Strainer: To strain the broccoli water after microwaving it, use a good strainer.
- Casserole Dish: A casserole dish is used to assemble ingredients for baking.
- A Medium Bowl: Use a medium bowl to combine the sauce ingredients.
- Whisk: I prefer a steady whisk to combine the sauce evenly.
- Spatula: A Spatula would come in handy to fold all the ingredients before baking.
Paula Deen Chicken Divan Casserole Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: This recipe serves 8 people. If you want to make more or less, you must adjust the recipe accordingly.
- 2 (10 oz) Packages Chopped Frozen Broccoli: If you don’t have frozen broccoli, you can use fresh broccoli as well.
- 6 Cups Cooked And Shredded Chicken
- 2 (10 3/4 oz) Cans Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: You can make cream of mushroom soup at home by just combining a homemade roux with milk and mushrooms.
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt would be a great alternative if you don’t have mayonnaise.
- 1 Cup Sour Cream: You can use buttermilk if you don’t want to use something heavy like Sour cream.
- 1 Cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I prefer whatever kind of cheese I have. You can use Monterey Jack, as it adds a sharp note to the dish.
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice: White vinegar would be a perfect substitute to add a citrusy and bright note.
- 1 Teaspoon Curry Powder: Combine garam masala and cumin powder if you don’t have curry powder in the kitchen.
- ½ Lb Bacon: I recommend using thick-cut bacon. It will add a nice smoky flavor to the dish. Cup Dry White Wine: Whenever I am making it for kids, I switch to chicken broth instead of dry white wine.
- ½ Lb Bacon: I recommend using thick-cut bacon. It will add a nice smoky flavor to the dish.
- ½ Lb Bacon: I recommend using thick-cut bacon. It will add a nice smoky flavor to the dish.
- ½ Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: You can skip Parmesan and simply add lots of cheddar.
- ½ Cup Soft Breadcrumbs: You can use cornflakes as well. Simply crush them using a rolling pin.
- 2 Tablespoons Melted Butter: Olive oil would also do just fine instead of butter.
- Salt
- Freshly Ground Pepper
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 45 Minutes |
How To Prepare Paula Deen Chicken Divan Casserole At Home
Step 1
In a bowl, combine the canned cream of mushroom soup with mayonnaise, sour cream, and white wine.
Step 2
Further, add salt, black pepper, curry powder, and vinegar.
Step 3
Now combine the cheddar cheese, soft breadcrumbs, and oil.
Step 4
Now, take a baking dish and add the broccoli, then add the shredded chicken breast.
Step 5
Now pour the cream-of-soup mixture over the chicken.
Step 6
Top it off with the cheese and breadcrumb mixture.
Step 7
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake it at 180 degrees centigrades for 30 minutes.
Step 8
Once the casserole is baked to perfection, slice, serve, and enjoy!
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I prefer using fresh broccoli and blanching it for 2-3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- I always make the sauce separately before adding it to the chicken.
- Once the casserole is baked, I usually let it cool down for at least 5 minutes before serving.
- To ensure my casserole doesn’t get watery, I drain the broccoli thoroughly.
- When assembling the casserole, I layer the ingredients slowly so they don’t get mixed.
FAQs About Paula Deen Chicken Divan Casserole
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Paula Deen’s Chicken Divan Casserole is super indulgent and has the perfect meaty notes. From a nutritional standpoint, I find the dish has enough protein. Even though a serving of this dish has 300 kcal, you can pair it with veggies and make it healthier.
| Calories | 611 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 49 g |
| Total Fat | 39 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 186 mg |
| Sodium | 978 mg |
| Potassium | 927 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 1414 iu |
| Vitamin C | 58 mg |
| Calcium | 449 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Having said that, you can even tweak the recipe and cater to your dietary needs. Moreover, I would suggest avoiding overeating, as you would otherwise feel heavy from the chicken and cheese. So, it is always best to consume the dish in moderation and enjoy most of the flavors.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Gluten Free: If you want to make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. I usually crush some rice crackers, and it really does the work. Moreover, check for other ingredients and switch to the gluten-free version, which is easily available in stores.
- Keto-Friendly: To make it keto-friendly, I would suggest skipping the breadcrumbs altogether. Also, using a full-fat mayo would make your dish keto-friendly. Another trick is to add plenty of chicken and enjoy the high-protein, low-carb version.
Storing This Recipe
- Refrigerator: Whenever I need to refrigerate the Chicken Divan Casserole, I let the dish cool and transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to cover it and then refrigerate. This way, your dish can be stored for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: If I have leftovers, I let them cool and place them in an airtight container. This way, I can freeze it for around 2 months. Just in case you haven’t baked the dish and want to store a portion in a freezer-safe container, cover it with plastic wrap. Add another layer of foil, then freeze for 2 months.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Whenever I bake this Chicken Divan Casserole, I pair it up with a side of Steamed or Roasted Green Vegetables. However, if I have some time on my hands, a fresh Coleslaw always makes it to the table.
I also love pairing this dish with Wild Rice Pilaf or Quinoa, and the flavors hit the right spot. Add some creamy Mashed Potatoes, and your meal is complete.
Printable Version
Paula Deen Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head Broccoli (chopped)
- 6 Cups Chicken (cooked and shredded)
- 2 Cans Mushroom Soup
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 2 Tablespoons Butter (melted)
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- ½ Cup White Wine
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ½ Cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Teaspoon Curry Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Dish
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Chopping Board
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the canned cream of mushroom soup with mayonnaise, sour cream, and white wine
- Further, add salt, black pepper, curry powder, and vinegar.
- Now combine the cheddar cheese, soft breadcrumbs, and oil.
- Now, take a baking dish and add the broccoli, then add the shredded chicken breast.
- Now pour the cream-of-soup mixture over the chicken.
- Top it off with the cheese and breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake it at 180 degrees centigrades for 30 minutes.
- Once the casserole is baked to perfection, slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- I prefer using fresh broccoli and blanching it for 2-3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- I always make the sauce separately before adding it to the chicken.
- Once the casserole is baked, I usually let it cool down for at least 5 minutes before serving.
- To ensure my casserole doesn’t get watery, I drain the broccoli thoroughly.
- When assembling the casserole, I layer the ingredients slowly so they don’t get mixed.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
When it comes to Paula Deen’s recipe, you know the flavors will hit the spot. Similarly, this Chicken Divan Casserole recipe, which you can make at home, is so heartfelt and tastes almost like Paula Deen made it for you.
Moreover, the protein content in the dish is also quite great. So, if you are looking for a fulfilling meal option that is easy yet super meaty, make some Paula Deen Chicken Divan Casserole.
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