Indulge in a single-serving Chicken Divan recipe! Perfectly portioned, easy-to-make dish with tender chicken, broccoli, creamy sauce & cheesy topping.
Here's a delightful single-serving Chicken Divan recipe that's perfect for those busy weeknights or when you're craving something delicious just for yourself! This creamy, comforting dish is the ideal way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home, and it's perfectly portioned for one person.
Jump to:
What Is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole that combines tender chicken and broccoli in a rich and creamy sauce, topped with a layer of melted cheese and breadcrumbs for added crunch. It's named after the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City, where it was first created. This dish has stood the test of time, becoming a beloved comfort food for many people.
Why This Recipe Works
- The perfect amount for one person: No need to worry about leftovers, our single serving Chicken Divan recipe is perfectly portioned to serve one.
- Simple ingredients: The recipe calls for using ingredients you may already have in your pantry or refrigerator.
- Easy to make: This is a straightforward recipe that even beginners can tackle with confidence.
- Recipe doubles well: This recipe yields one generous serving of the best Chicken Divan! If you'd like to make "Chicken Divan For Two" or to simply have leftovers, just double the ingredient amounts.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes And Substitutions
See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.
- Chicken: Use 1 (4-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast which has been sliced into ¼-inch strips. If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of a chicken breast or use about 1 cup of cooked leftover chicken. If using chicken that has already been cooked, skip Step 3 in the recipe.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used in this recipe. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain well before using.
- Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil in this simple Chicken Divan recipe and in every other recipe on One Dish Kitchen that calls for olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed form of olive oil. It is an unrefined oil and the highest-quality olive oil you can buy. Because of the way extra virgin olive oil is made, it retains a more true olive taste. It also contains more of the vitamins and minerals found in olives. It's my favorite type of olive oil, but you may use light olive oil instead.
- Onions and garlic: Chopped onions and garlic add so much flavor to this dish, definitely don't leave them out.
- Sauce ingredients: Traditional Chicken Divan recipes usually call for using canned cream of chicken soup but we make our Chicken Divan without canned soup. Instead, we combine a little low-sodium chicken broth, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, and heavy cream or heavy whipping cream (double cream) together to get what we think is an even better (and healthier!) result. I prefer using low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish. If you use regular chicken broth, you might want to reduce the amount of salt you add. I always recommend tasting the finished dish and adding extra seasonings and salt if needed.
- Seasonings: Use salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. The main herbs in Italian seasoning are basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. If you don't have Italian seasoning, use one or two of these herbs instead.
- Cheese: I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. I also recommend shredding your own cheese rather than purchasing bagged pre-shredded cheese. The cheese will melt better when freshly shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains preservatives that help to keep the shreds of cheese from clumping in the bag. This means that the cheese doesn't melt as well.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide the perfect crunch to the Chicken Divan topping.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
How To Make Chicken Divan For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make Chicken Divan. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Heat the oven to 375° F (190° C).
- Blanch the broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a medium-sized pot of boiling water and cook for 2 minutes or just until tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken pieces in the pan and cook for 2 minutes on one side, flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add additional olive oil to the pan. Next, add the onions and cook, occasionally stirring until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring frequently.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Once the mixture begins to simmer, cook stirring frequently for 1 minute.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the chicken, half of the cheese, and the broccoli.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered 5x5-inch baking dish.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, the remaining cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
- Place the dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
- Bake the Chicken Divan for 20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned.
Expert Tips
- Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section of the post and gather your ingredients. This small Chicken Divan comes together quickly so it's a good idea to have everything ready before beginning.
- To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips instead of cooking the chicken.
- Feel free to customize the recipe: Add a pinch of nutmeg or curry powder to the sauce for added depth of flavor.
- Use a different cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
The success of this recipe depends on the size of the baking dish you use. I use a 5x5 inch baking dish with a base area of 25 square inches. The dishes we use in our recipes can be found on our Store page.
Yes. If you'd like to double the recipe, simply double the ingredient amounts and use either two 5x5-inch baking dishes, one 6.5-inch square baking dish, or one 6x8-inch baking dish. These dishes can be found on our Store page.
Yes, you can substitute other proteins like turkey, ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure the protein is cooked through before adding it to the casserole.
Absolutely! You can replace the broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower, asparagus, or even a mix of your favorite vegetables. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the casserole.
Make Ahead And Storage Instructions
- To make Chicken Divan ahead of time: Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Store Leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat Chicken Divan: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. The foil will help retain moisture and prevent the dish from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat small portions in the microwave, using a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes on medium power.
Serving Suggestions
When serving Chicken Divan, consider pairing it with sides that complement its rich flavors and textures. Here are some suggestions:
- Rice or grains: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or couscous can help balance the dish's richness and soak up the creamy sauce.
- Crusty bread: A warm, crusty piece of French bread or soft butter swim biscuits are perfect for sopping up the flavorful sauce.
- Green salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a crisp contrast to the creamy, cheesy dish.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables: Additional vegetables, such as sautéed green beans, roasted carrots, or brussels sprouts, can add color and nutrients to the meal.
- Mashed potatoes: For an even heartier meal, serve Chicken Divan over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Pasta: A simple pasta like buttered noodles or fettuccine can also be a good base for Chicken Divan.
Remember that Chicken Divan is quite rich on its own, so you may want to opt for lighter, more refreshing sides to balance out the meal.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy Chicken Divan recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
- Chicken: Chicken Marsala, Chicken Fajitas, Baked Buffalo Chicken, Chicken Caprese, Chicken and Dumplings, Jerk Chicken
- Broccoli: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Italian Pasta Salad, Vegetable Casserole, Pasta Primavera, Cashew Chicken
- Onions: Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Etouffee, Philly Cheesesteak, French Onion Soup, Corn Casserole
- Garlic: Shrimp and Grits, Pad Thai, Mushroom Pasta, Pizza Bowl, Pork Stir Fry
- Chicken broth: Chicken Tetrazzini, Tuscan Chicken, Chicken Piccata, Chicken Tortellini Soup, Coq au Vin
- Sour cream: Hot Spinach Dip, Ranch Dressing, Corn Muffins, Maple Walnut Muffin, Butter Chicken
- Heavy cream: Green Bean Casserole, French Silk Pie, Alfredo Sauce, Crustless Quiche Lorraine, Boston Cream Pie
- Italian seasoning: Pork Tenderloin, Crustless Pizza Quiche, Hamburger Casserole, Stuffed Shells, Lentil Stew
- Cheese: Baked Black Bean Tacos, Creamed Spinach, Cauliflower Casserole, Beef Tacos, Cheesy Baked Eggs
- Breadcrumbs: Creamed Spinach, Meatloaf, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Swedish Meatballs, Chicken Tenders
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried this small batch Chicken Divan recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Recipe
Chicken Divan For One
See the post above for expert tips,
FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil , divided
- 1 (4 to 5 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast , cut into ¼-inch strips
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅔ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese , divided
- 3 tablespoons Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter , melted
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375° F (190° C).
- Place the broccoli florets in a medium-sized pot of boiling water and cook for 2 minutes or just until tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken pieces in the pan and cook for 2 minutes on one side, flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Next, add the onions and cook, occasionally stirring until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Once the mixture begins to simmer, cook stirring frequently for 1 minute.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the chicken, half of the cheese, and the broccoli.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered 5x5-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, the remaining cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
- Place the dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned.
- Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section of the post and gather your ingredients. This small Chicken Divan comes together quickly so it's a good idea to have everything ready before beginning.
- To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips instead of cooking the chicken.
- Feel free to customize the recipe: Add a pinch of nutmeg or curry powder to the sauce for added depth of flavor.
- Use a different cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Evangelia says
Perfect recipe! May i freeze it after it is baked? Thank you so much!
Joanie Zisk says
Yes. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
CC65 says
I made this today, it was good. Thanks for posting this recipe.
Marion Dupuis says
I am happy to try all your recipes. Even though they are supposedly to be for one person, this serving feeds us two seniors. Thank you so much!
Joanie Zisk says
You are most welcome! I'm so happy you are enjoying our recipes.
Noel says
Love everything you do.. ? Can you prep this dish and freeze for a later date.. thanks
Joanie Zisk says
Thank you! Yes, you can prep the dish and freeze it to bake later. To freeze Chicken Divan, make and assemble the casserole according to the recipe instructions up to the point of baking. You can either add the panko/cheese topping if you want the casserole completely assembled OR for a crispier panko topping, add it right before baking. Make sure the Chicken Divan sauce has cooled completely and then wrap the casserole securely with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw Chicken Divan in the refrigerator for 24 hours and then bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
J. Hegyi says
Terrific recipe.
Joanie Zisk says
Thank you!