Paula Deen's Classic Chicken Divan: A Southern Comfort Food Favorite
Hello there, food enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a mouthwatering, comforting classic that's been a staple in Southern homes for decades. We're talking about Paula Deen's Chicken Divan, a creamy, cheesy casserole that's as comforting as it is delicious. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and paula deen: chicken divan.
What is Chicken Divan?
Before we dive into Paula's recipe, let's briefly discuss what Chicken Divan is. It's a creamy, casserole-style dish that typically consists of cooked chicken, a creamy sauce, and vegetables, all topped with a layer of cheese and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden and bubbly. The name "Divan" is believed to have originated from the Divan Orlando Hotel in Florida, where the dish was first served in the 1950s.
Why Paula Deen's Chicken Divan Stands Out
Paula Deen, the queen of Southern comfort food, puts her own spin on this classic dish. Her Chicken Divan recipe stands out for several reasons:
1. The Sauce: Paula's secret lies in her rich, creamy sauce, made with a combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup. It's tangy, it's creamy, and it's absolutely irresistible.
2. The Cheese: No Southern dish is complete without a generous helping of cheese. Paula uses a combination of Swiss and cheddar cheeses to create a perfectly melty, gooey topping.
3. The Crunch: To add a bit of texture and crunch, Paula tops her Chicken Divan with a mixture of buttered breadcrumbs and chopped almonds. It's a delightful contrast to the creamy casserole.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make Paula Deen's Chicken Divan:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts) - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup milk - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup sliced almonds - 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Cooking Instructions
Alright, guys, let's get cooking!
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the chicken if you haven't already. You can boil, grill, or bake it - whatever floats your boat. Once cooked, dice it into small pieces.
3. Steam or blanch the broccoli until tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
6. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss and cheddar cheeses over the top of the chicken mixture. Make sure it's evenly distributed.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, sliced almonds, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
9. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Paula Deen's Chicken Divan is a hearty, comforting meal on its own, but if you're looking to add some sides, consider these options:
- Garlic Bread: Because, well, carbs. - Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: To lighten up the meal a bit. - Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would complement the creamy casserole nicely.
Tips and Variations
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, then bake it the next day. Just wait to add the breadcrumb topping until right before baking. - Add some heat: If you like a little spice, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. - Use canned chicken: For a quick and easy shortcut, use a can of cooked, diced chicken. - Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, like diced bell peppers or mushrooms. You could also use a vegetarian cream soup in place of the cream of chicken soup.
Nutritional Information
Here's a rough breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (assuming 6 servings per recipe):
- Calories: 580 - Total Fat: 37g - Saturated Fat: 16g - Cholesterol: 115mg - Sodium: 1320mg - Total Carbohydrate: 18g - Dietary Fiber: 2g - Sugars: 4g - Protein: 38g
Conclusion
Paula Deen's Chicken Divan is a classic comfort food that's perfect for any occasion. It's creamy, it's cheesy, it's crunchy, and it's absolutely, undeniably delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and give this Southern favorite a try!
Happy cooking, y'all!