Chicken Divan Recipe Sherry Parmesan

Indulge in a creamy, savory Chicken Divan recipe sherry Parmesan, a gourmet casserole perfect for cozy family dinners or elegant gatherings.

The Chicken Divan recipe sherry Parmesan from Mangoes and Palm Trees elevates a timeless casserole into a luxurious dish, blending tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a velvety sherry-Parmesan sauce. Inspired by the iconic Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York, this sherry Parmesan Chicken Divan combines rich flavors with comforting textures, making it a go-to for weeknight meals or special occasions. With a tropical coconut milk option, it’s versatile, nutritious, and easy to prepare, ensuring every bite is a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into this creamy, heartwarming classic!

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Why Chicken Divan is a Timeless Comfort Food

The creamy Chicken Divan casserole is cherished for its luscious sherry-Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. As noted by Epicurious, this dish, born in the early 20th century, marries wholesome ingredients with gourmet elegance, making it ideal for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. At *Mangoes and Palm Trees*, we add a tropical twist with options like coconut milk, enhancing its versatility for modern diets. Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s a comforting staple in our casserole recipes. Pair with a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal. Love comfort food? Explore our chicken recipes or savor the warmth of our Chicken Noodle Soup!

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Complete Chicken Divan Recipe Sherry Parmesan

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

Quantity	Ingredient	Preparation
4 cups	Chicken breast	Cooked, shredded or cubed
4 cups	Fresh broccoli florets	Steamed until tender-crisp
1 can (10.5 oz)	Cream of chicken soup	Or homemade equivalent
1/2 cup	Mayonnaise	Full-fat for creaminess
1/2 cup	Sour cream	Or Greek yogurt for lighter option
1/4 cup	Dry sherry	High-quality for rich flavor
1 tbsp	Lemon juice	Freshly squeezed
1 cup	Grated Parmesan cheese	Divided, freshly grated
1/2 cup	Panko breadcrumbs	For crispy topping
2 tbsp	Unsalted butter	Melted
1/2 tsp	Kosher salt	-
1/4 tsp	Black pepper	Freshly ground
1/4 cup	Coconut milk	Optional, for tropical variation

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Steam 4 cups fresh broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside. Cook and shred or cube 4 cups chicken breast (boiled, baked, or poached).
2. Create the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup dry sherry, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth. For a tropical twist, add 1/4 cup coconut milk.
3. Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the steamed broccoli evenly. Layer the shredded chicken over the broccoli. Pour the sauce over the chicken, spreading it to cover evenly. Sprinkle 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for a crispy, golden finish.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes to crisp the top, watching closely to avoid burning. Let rest for 5 minutes to set.
6. Serve with Elegance: Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside our Reka Bread Recipe or a refreshing Crispy Chicken Salad for a complete meal.

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Essential Ingredients for Chicken Divan

The success of this sherry Parmesan Chicken Divan lies in selecting high-quality ingredients to achieve its signature creamy, savory profile.

Chicken Selection

Opt for 4 cups of fresh, organic chicken breast for superior flavor and tenderness. Poach, bake, or grill the chicken, then shred or cube it for even distribution in the casserole. For convenience, use rotisserie chicken, as suggested in our chicken recipes, but ensure it’s free of strong seasonings.

Choosing the Right Broccoli

Select 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, dark green, firm, and vibrant, to ensure a crisp texture and nutrient density, as outlined by Healthline. Steam lightly for 4-5 minutes to retain crunch and vibrant color, avoiding overcooking to prevent mushiness.

Sherry and Parmesan

Use a high-quality dry sherry (e.g., Fino or Amontillado) to add depth and a subtle nutty flavor to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese ensures a rich, melty texture and robust taste, elevating the dish’s gourmet appeal.

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Nutritional Breakdown

This creamy Chicken Divan casserole offers a balanced nutritional profile per serving (approximately 1/6 of the casserole):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	Benefits
Calories	450 kcal	Provides energy for daily activities
Protein	30g	Supports muscle repair and growth
Fat	25g	Delivers energy, primarily from cheese and cream
Carbohydrates	15g	Fuels energy needs, from breadcrumbs and broccoli
Vitamin C	90 mg (100% DV)	Boosts immunity and skin health (from broccoli)
Calcium	200 mg (15% DV)	Promotes bone health (from Parmesan)
Fiber	3g	Supports digestion (from broccoli)

Incorporate this dish into our Healthy Meal Plans for a nutritious, satisfying meal.

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Variations of Chicken Divan

Customize this Chicken Divan recipe sherry Parmesan to suit dietary needs or add a *Mangoes and Palm Trees* tropical flair:

Tropical Coconut Chicken Divan

Replace 1/4 cup sour cream with 1/4 cup coconut milk and add 1 tsp curry powder to the sauce for a creamy, island-inspired flavor. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra texture.

Gluten-Free Chicken Divan

Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup (or a homemade version with cornstarch) and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, as outlined in our gluten-free meal plans.

Vegan Chicken Divan

Substitute chicken with 4 cups diced tofu or seitan, use vegan cream of mushroom soup, vegan mayonnaise, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Replace butter with olive oil for the topping.

Low-Fat Chicken Divan

Use reduced-fat mayonnaise, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and half the Parmesan cheese to cut calories while maintaining creaminess.

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Serving Suggestions

Elevate your tropical Chicken Divan with these complementary pairings and presentation tips for a memorable dining experience:

Pairing	Description	Link
Coconut Mashed Potatoes	Creamy, tropical side to complement the sauce; try our recipes.	Recipes
Mango-Lime Salad	Fresh, zesty contrast; pair with our Crispy Chicken Salad.	Crispy Chicken Salad
Artisan Bread Rolls	Soaks up the creamy sauce; explore our Reka Bread Recipe.	Reka Bread
Chilled White Wine	Crisp Sauvignon Blanc enhances flavors; see our drink recipes.	Drinks

Serve in a rustic ceramic baking dish for a cozy presentation, garnished with fresh parsley or edible flowers for a *Mangoes and Palm Trees* touch. Offer extra sauce on the side for dipping.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Ensure your healthy Chicken Divan turns out perfectly with these solutions to common challenges:

Sauce Too Thin

If the sauce is runny, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to create a slurry, stir into the sauce, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Uneven Baking

Use a 9x13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish for even heat distribution, and rotate the dish halfway through baking to ensure a uniform golden top.

Broccoli Too Soft

Steam broccoli for only 4-5 minutes to maintain a tender-crisp texture; avoid boiling, which can make it mushy.

Topping Not Crispy

Ensure breadcrumbs are evenly coated with melted butter, and broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a crisp, golden finish.

Apply these tips to other casseroles in our casserole recipes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Chicken Divan?

Chicken Divan is a creamy casserole dish featuring chicken, broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, often enhanced with sherry and Parmesan, originating from New York’s Divan Parisien Restaurant.

Can I Use Fresh Broccoli?

Yes, steam 4 cups fresh broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp to retain texture and nutrients.

What Type of Sherry Is Best?

Dry sherry, such as Fino or Amontillado, adds a rich, nutty flavor without overpowering sweetness.

Can I Substitute Parmesan Cheese?

Romano or Asiago cheeses are excellent alternatives, offering similar nutty, melty qualities.

Can I Make It Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup (or a cornstarch-based homemade version) and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, as noted in our gluten-free meal plans.

Can I Make It Vegan?

Substitute chicken with tofu, use vegan cream of mushroom soup, vegan mayonnaise, nutritional yeast for Parmesan, and olive oil for butter.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave until warm.

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Conclusion

The Chicken Divan recipe sherry Parmesan is a creamy, savory masterpiece that brings comfort and elegance to any table, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. With its rich sherry-Parmesan sauce and a tropical coconut milk option, this creamy Chicken Divan casserole is both versatile and unforgettable. Tried our recipe? Share your version on X with #MangoesPalmTrees or in the comments! Explore more comforting dishes in our chicken recipes, dive into our casserole recipes, or take a fun break with our Personality Quiz Hub. Happy cooking!