chicken divan recipe sherry parmesan recipe

Introduction: A Taste of Home with a Touch of Elegance chicken divan recipe sherry parmesan recipe

Imagine coming home after a long day, your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of a savory, creamy dish that promises to comfort and satisfy. The chicken divan recipe sherry parmesan recipe is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to indulge in the kind of food that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests with a gourmet twist on a classic, this recipe blends the familiar comfort of Chicken Divan with the rich, sophisticated flavors of sherry and parmesan.

If you’re searching for a dish that offers a balance of rich flavor and creamy texture, you’ve come to the right place. Not only is this Chicken Divan recipe quick and easy, but it also offers a refined touch that elevates a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special. By combining the best of both worlds, this dish promises to satisfy your taste buds, and the hearts of those you cook for.

1. What is Chicken Divan? A Brief Overview

Understanding the Classic Chicken Divan Dish

Chicken Divan is a casserole that combines tender pieces of chicken with broccoli and a rich, creamy sauce. Traditionally, it’s made with a base of mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, and a generous helping of shredded cheese, resulting in a comforting, easy-to-make dish. The addition of Sherry and Parmesan cheese takes this classic recipe to the next level, infusing it with deeper flavors and a luxurious, velvety texture.

It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of family dinners, holiday feasts, and gatherings where food is more than just nourishment—it’s a centerpiece of connection and warmth.

The Origin and History of Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is believed to have originated at the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City in the early 1900s. The dish was so popular that it eventually found its way into American homes and cookbooks, becoming a staple in mid-20th century comfort food cuisine. It was typically served at upscale gatherings, but its simplicity and versatility made it an easy choice for home cooks looking for something hearty and satisfying. Over time, the recipe evolved, with variations like the Sherry Parmesan version you’ll find in this article.

2. Ingredients: What You’ll Need for the Perfect Chicken Divan Recipe Sherry Parmesan

Essential Ingredients for the Chicken Divan Base

Before you dive into cooking, let’s make sure you’ve got all the right ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need the following:

The Role of Sherry and Parmesan in Elevating the Dish

• Sherry: A splash of dry sherry adds complexity to the creamy sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish. It’s a key ingredient that makes this version of Chicken Divan stand out.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan contributes a sharp, savory depth to the sauce, balancing the creaminess and adding a rich, nutty undertone that’s perfectly complemented by the other ingredients.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chicken Divan with Sherry Parmesan

Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. Don’t worry—this recipe is simple, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!

Prep Time and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Easy-to-Follow Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook and Shred the Chicken: If you’re using uncooked chicken breasts, cook them until they’re tender and fully cooked through. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces once it’s cool enough to handle.
3. Prepare the Broccoli: Blanch the broccoli florets by placing them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes. Once they’re tender, drain and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, sherry, and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Layer the shredded chicken and blanched broccoli in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the top, making sure it covers everything evenly.
6. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the casserole. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a golden, bubbling crust.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

4. Nutritional Breakdown: Why chicken divan recipe sherry parmesan recipe is a Delicious Yet Balanced Meal

Chicken Divan with Sherry Parmesan isn’t just delicious—it’s a well-rounded dish that offers several nutritional benefits when enjoyed in moderation.

Nutritional Value of Key Ingredients

• Chicken: A lean source of protein that helps build and repair tissues while supporting a healthy immune system.
• Broccoli: Packed with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, K, and fiber, broccoli is an excellent choice for promoting overall health.
• Sherry: While it adds flavor to the dish, sherry is low in calories and provides antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
• Parmesan: A great source of calcium and protein, parmesan cheese helps support bone health and muscle function.

Health Benefits of Sherry and Parmesan in Moderation

Both sherry and parmesan can be part of a healthy, balanced meal. The key is moderation, as these ingredients are rich in flavor, meaning you don’t need much to make a big impact. Enjoying them in a dish like Chicken Divan allows you to savor their richness without going overboard.

5. Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Divan Recipe

Cooking is all about personalization, and this dish is no exception. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Avoid Overcooking the Broccoli: While the broccoli should be tender, it’s important not to overcook it. Blanching it just until tender helps retain its texture and color.
• Use Freshly Shredded Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains additives to prevent clumping, which can affect the creaminess of your sauce. For the best results, shred your parmesan cheese fresh from the block.
• Experiment with Substitutes: If you’re looking to make the dish lighter, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or swap the mayo for a healthier option. For a gluten-free version, check the ingredients in your cream of chicken soup.

6. Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Chicken Divan Recipe Sherry Parmesan

Chicken Divan is rich and creamy, so pairing it with light, fresh sides helps balance the meal. Here are some great options:

• Side Dishes:
  • Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the casserole.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts complement the creamy texture of the dish.
• Wine Pairing Tips:
  • White Wine: A light white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully with the creamy sauce and the savory flavors of chicken and parmesan.
  • Light Red Wine: If you prefer red wine, a Pinot Noir offers the right balance of lightness and depth.

7. FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Chicken Divan Recipe Sherry Parmesan

Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of

Prepare the Broccoli**: Blanch the broccoli florets by placing them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and sherry. Stir until smooth and well-blended. Add 1/2 cup of the parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce has a creamy consistency.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Layer the shredded chicken and broccoli in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure everything is evenly covered.
6. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top of the casserole. This will give it a delicious, golden crust once baked.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

4. Nutritional Breakdown: Why Chicken Divan Sherry Parmesan is a Delicious Yet Balanced Meal

Nutritional Value of Key Ingredients

• Chicken: A great source of lean protein, chicken is low in fat and packed with essential nutrients like B vitamins and phosphorus.
• Broccoli: Packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, broccoli adds a nutritional punch to this dish, ensuring that it’s not just comforting, but also wholesome.
• Sherry and Parmesan: These ingredients, when used in moderation, contribute rich flavors without overwhelming the dish. While parmesan provides calcium and protein, sherry offers antioxidants that may support digestion and overall health.

Health Benefits of Sherry and Parmesan in Moderation

While both sherry and parmesan are rich ingredients, their benefits lie in their moderate use. Sherry is known to aid in digestion and can have beneficial antioxidant properties, while parmesan adds flavor without needing excessive amounts of cheese, making it easier to enjoy a rich, satisfying meal without overindulging.

5. Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Divan Recipe

To make sure your Chicken Divan comes out perfect every time, here are a few tips:

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Make sure the broccoli is tender but still slightly crisp. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and affect the overall texture of the dish.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best results, always opt for freshly grated parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese can be too dry and might not melt as smoothly in the sauce.

Substituting Ingredients for a Personal Touch

• Add More Veggies: If you’d like to include more vegetables, consider adding mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers to the casserole.
• Use Different Proteins: If you prefer turkey, ham, or even tofu, feel free to substitute the chicken to suit your taste.

6. Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Chicken Divan Recipe Sherry Parmesan

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can enhance the meal with a few delicious sides:

Ideal Side Dishes to Complement the Dish

• Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Their crispy texture and savory flavor pair perfectly with the creamy casserole.
• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.

Wine Pairing Tips for a Gourmet Experience

A light Chardonnay or a subtle Pinot Noir will complement the richness of the Chicken Divan without overpowering the flavors. Both wines pair well with creamy dishes and provide a perfect balance.

7. FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Chicken Divan Recipe Sherry Parmesan

Q1: Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as instructed.

Q2: Can I freeze Chicken Divan?

Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the casserole and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it directly from frozen, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?

If you prefer, you can swap out the parmesan for another cheese like Gruyère or mozzarella for a slightly different flavor.

Conclusion: Indulge in This Delicious Dish Tonight!

Now that you know how to make a delicious Chicken Divan Recipe Sherry Parmesan, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give this comforting yet elegant dish a try. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will surely become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Give it a go and discover how easy it is to create a memorable meal that’s full of flavor and heart. Your family and friends will thank you, and you’ll have a dish that is as satisfying to prepare as it is to enjoy.

Ready to make your own Chicken Divan Sherry Parmesan? Grab your ingredients and start cooking today!