Chicken Divan For One

Are you in the mood for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s just the right size for one? Look no further than this Chicken Divan recipe. Perfect for busy evenings or when you want to treat yourself to something special, this dish is a scaled-down version of a classic favorite. You’ll be delighted by its creamy, cheesy goodness, combined with the satisfying textures of chicken and broccoli. And the best part? We’re skipping the canned soup and going for a fresher, homemade approach that’s not only tastier but healthier too!

Enjoy Chicken Divan alongside a variety of sides to enhance your meal. Choose from fluffy white rice or hearty brown rice for a classic pairing. If you prefer bread, choose crusty French bread or rich, Butter Swim Biscuits. For a light and refreshing option, try a crisp green salad drizzled with tangy homemade vinaigrette. Creamy mashed potatoes or silky buttered noodles also make excellent accompaniments, offering a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy & Comforting: The rich sauce and melted cheese create a warm and satisfying meal.
• Packed with Flavor: Chicken, broccoli, and a homemade creamy sauce combine for a delightful flavor profile.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices.
• Single Serving Perfection: No need for leftovers! This recipe is perfectly portioned for one.

Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.

• Chicken: Use one 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/4-inch strips. Alternatively, boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or about 1 cup of cooked leftover chicken, are great options. If using pre-cooked chicken, skip Step 3 of the recipe.
• Broccoli: Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well. If using frozen, ensure it’s thawed and well-drained first. If you’ve got leftover broccoli, consider using it in Broccoli Salad, Cashew Chicken, or Beef and Broccoli.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil, with its unrefined, high-quality nature and robust olive flavor, is recommended. However, light olive oil is a suitable alternative.
• Onions and Garlic: Essential for flavor, make sure not to leave them out.
• Sauce Ingredients: Instead of traditional canned cream of chicken soup, this recipe uses a healthier mix of low-sodium chicken broth, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. Adjust salt accordingly if using regular chicken broth and taste the dish before adding extra seasonings or salt.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary) are used. In the absence of Italian seasoning, use one or two of these herbs individually.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar is preferred for its robust flavor. Shred your own cheese for better melting qualities, as pre-shredded cheese contains preservatives that can affect melting.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for adding a crisp crunch to the 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.

1. Heat the oven to 375° F (190° C).
2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Sauté the vegetables: Add additional olive oil to the pan. Next, add the onions and cook, occasionally stirring until translucent, about 2 minutes.
5. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring frequently.

6. Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

7. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Once the mixture begins to simmer, cook stirring frequently for 1 minute.

8. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream and Italian seasoning.

9. Stir in the chicken, half of the cheese, and the broccoli.

10. Transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered 5×5-inch baking dish.

11. Make the topping: In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, the remaining cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
12. Place the dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.

13. 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.