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Monday, January 17, 2011

Chicken Divan and a New Linky Party


This dish is one of our most beloved dinners. Chicken and broccoli covered with a creamy sauce, and then topped off with gooey melted cheese and buttery breadcrumbs. It is a delight and it's even got all your four food groups covered.

Granted, it is a bit time consuming since the chicken needs to be boiled, the broccoli needs to be cooked, cheese grated, etc. When we make it, it practically takes half a day and it's all hands on deck with each person being given a task to do to lessen the work.

If you're in more of a rush, I have learned some shortcuts that take a lot of the effort out of this dish. My tips to you would be to buy a roasted chicken (so all you have to do is debone it), use frozen broccoli (which requires less time to boil), and buy your cheese already grated. It'll go a lot quicker this way, believe me.

But, whether you make it completely from scratch or cheat a little, the divan will come out divine every time. My family absolutely loves it and I know yours will too.

New Linky Party!!!

I am pleased to announce that I will be starting a new linky party this week called, "Sweets for a Saturday." Why this theme, you ask? Well, see, Saturday is usually when we would invite my grandparents over for dinner. Naturally, dessert is always served and I want to have a collection of desserts at my fingertips for just such an occasion. Besides that, it's also the weekend and what better way to celebrate the end of the week than with a sweet treat. The linky will be up on my blog starting Friday night, so be sure to come by to link up all your delicious desserts and sweet treats. I can't wait!

Chicken Divan

4-5 lbs. chicken thighs, boiled and deboned
1 1/2 lbs. broccoli florets, parboiled (or more if you're broccoli lovers like we are)
2 smaller cans cream of chicken soup (low fat or lower sodium is fine)
3/4 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. lemon juice
grated cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
5 slices bread, broken into small pieces
1 stick butter

Boil and debone the chicken thighs. Parboil the broccoli until tender. Combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Melt 1 stick butter over medium-medium high heat. Remove from heat and add the pieces of bread. Stir well until all the bread pieces are coated with butter.

Form a layer of chicken in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Layer the broccoli over the chicken. Pour the cream of chicken sauce over the broccoli. Top with grated cheese and then sprinkle with the buttered breadcrumbs. Bake at 350F for 40 min. until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.

Note: It can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.

This recipe is linked to:
Mouthwatering Monday
Hearth n' Soul Blog Hop
Tempt my Tummy Tuesdays
Tuesdays at the Table
Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesdays
3 Shades of Green Tasty Tuesdays
Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesdays
Tuesday Night Supper Club
Delectable Tuesday
Recipes I Can't Wait to Try
Prairie Story Recipe Swap
Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday
Fun w/ Food Friday
What's Cookin' in the Kitchen
Friday Potluck
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65 comments:

  1. AmyJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:14 AM

    yum...this dish sounds delicious! :P

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  2. April J HarrisJanuary 18, 2011 at 1:01 AM

    Your Chicken Divan sounds lovely - and I'll try to pop back on Saturday for the new linky!

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  3. BeckyJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:15 AM

    Your dish looks so good.I make a similar dish, which takes much less time. I use chicken breasts, steam the broccoli in the microwave, and heat the chicken soup with the Miracle Whip, and curry powder. I don't put bread crumbs on, and I buy grated cheese. I have even heated in the microwave, and it turns out so good!

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  4. BeckyJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:18 AM

    Your dish looks soo good. I make a similar dish, but it takes less time. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Chelle BJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:51 AM

    This dish sounds so delicious! I had seen another one similiar that used the frozen broccoli with cheese sauce and had a bunch of other shortcut ideas. Either way it's made this sounds fantastic! I love one dish meals! Also excited for the new linky party!

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  6. KaterinaJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    I love chicken divan. The combo of broccoli and chicken is moutwatering!

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  7. PeggyJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    This chicken dish sounds superb! Can't wait for the new Linky!

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  8. tinyskilletJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    I remember my mom making this dish. I love it, and yours looks great! Sweets for a Saturday sounds good!

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  9. claireJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    looks amazing! cant wait to try it!

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  10. UnknownJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    Excited about the new linky! I'm a big fan of chicken divan, and yours looks so delicious.

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  11. SandraJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    It really look divine, amazing combo of flavors! Nicely done party girl!

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  12. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    This sounds so good--I've never made Chicken Divan, but I want to try it!

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  13. Alison @ Hospitality HavenJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Chicken Divan is wonderful! I've used it to make and take to those families who are under the weather or enjoying the blessing of a new baby! :)

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  14. The Country CookJanuary 18, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    Looks great! That would be perfect for a potluck!!

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  15. ShareeJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    Yummy! This is one of my favorites. Thanks for stopping by Balance Today. I'm excited about your new linky.

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  16. CCJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    i love chicken divan - great reminder to fix soon! :)

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  17. UnknownJanuary 18, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    Can't wait to join on Friday!

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  18. AnaJanuary 18, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Ah, chicken divan! One of my favorites. It never dissapoints. Vegetables, protein and gooey comfort stuff on top. Delicious!

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  19. EllenJanuary 18, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    I see a new dinner in our future! Thanks for visiting me at A Season for All Things. I'm your newest follower! Ellen

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  20. ZoeJanuary 18, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    Linky sounds like fun...

    Your chicken divan is a great idea to serve for party. Simple and yummy.

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  21. alissa {33shadesofgreen}January 18, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    oh yum! Chicken Divan is one of my favorite meals - my Mom made it a lot for us growing up. Your version looks delicious. Thanks for linking up and congrats on your new link party!
    Alissa

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  22. MeganJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    I love chicken and broccoli and i bet I woul love this dish! I'll be back Saturday to link up too!

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  23. JennyJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Yum, I love Chicken Divan. Haven't made it in forever, thanks for reminding me! I think I will put it on the menu for next week. I will be stopping by for your linky on Saturday!

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  24. Sherry @ Lamp Unto My FeetJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    YUM! Love chicken divan !:)

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  25. TiffaneeJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    I wish I would of seen this earlier. I would of so made it for dinner tonight. Looks delish.

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  26. MeganJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Mmmmm! I love Chicken Divan! Your recipe sounds delicious!

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  27. Red Couch RecipesJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    Lisa, my MIL likes to make chicken divan and it is so yummy. Joni

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  28. MickeyJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    Yum, I never had this before. Looks like something the kids could help out with (or make themselves) :) Can't wait until Saturday, I'll be here!
    mickey

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  29. CaSaundraLeighJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    I am a huge fan of casseroles--surprisingly I've never had chicken divan! Sounds delicious though, and I love how it requires so few ingredients. Also, I think I'd use the shortcuts you suggested :-)

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  30. AnonymousJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    i cant wait for "sweets for saturdays"! Your chicken and brocolli dish looks hearty and delicious!

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  31. Deeba PABJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:19 AM

    Ooooh what a divine bake this is! YUM!!

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  32. TrishaJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    This looks really yummy, Can't wait to try it out! The linky party sure sounds like fun!

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  33. PamJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    It looks so hearty, comforting, and delicious.

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  34. We Are Not MarthaJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Ooh I've never made chicken divan, but now you're totally tempting me! Looks delish :)

    Sues

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  35. Jerri at Simply Sweet HomeJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Your chicken divan looks great! And the linky party sounds fun. I'll have to come back and check it out.

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  36. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    Lisa,
    Thanks for visiting my blog. This dish looks absolutely scrumptious! I will definitely be adding to my weekly menu.

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  37. SueJanuary 19, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    This has been one of our favorites too, for decades! Your linky party sounds fun! Can't wait to join in!

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  38. AnaJanuary 19, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    Hi Lisa! there is a nice prize waiting for you on my blog. Come and get it!

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  39. Georgia | The Comfort of CookingJanuary 19, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    Lisa, this look so warm and inviting, and absolutely delicious! Looking forward to exploring your recipes and seeing what’s next! – Georgia

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  40. Patricia @ ButterYumJanuary 19, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Oh wow, yummo! Chicken Divan is one of our all-time favorites! Your pic is making my tummy grumble. Nice blog - this is my first visit. Have a nice week.

    :)
    ButterYum

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  41. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    I have never made this or heard of it but actually really it is easy! I will be adding it to our "to make" list.

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  42. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    My mom used to make this all the time. Brings back good memories. :)

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  43. LorraineJanuary 19, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    This sounds delicious. I tried your mac and cheese tonight and loved it:) Looking forward to your link party...sounds like fun!

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  44. JacquelineJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Yum yum, and the party sounds fabulous. What time are you going to be putting up the linky?
    I always love sweets (although THIS WEEK, we are TRYING to be GOOD!)

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  45. AnonymousJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Yum and more yum.

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  46. HaleyLeannJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    Lisa, all of your recipes always look delicious!!! Thanks for linking up on Recipes I Can't Wait to try!

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  47. MiriamJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    Your pictures always look so good :). Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

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  48. LoriJanuary 20, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    Thats a nice recipe for company/party. It looks delicious!

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  49. Within the KitchenJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    My kids would love this! thanks for sharing.
    ceecee

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  50. ErinJanuary 20, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Oh my gosh! My kids and I would LOVE this!!!!

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  51. ♥Sugar♥Plum♥Fairy♥January 20, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    Totally hungry now , this is soo wonderfully delicious!

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  52. Miz HelenJanuary 20, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    Hi Lisa,
    I am so excited that you brought this wonderful Chicken Divan to Full Plate Thursday. I can hardly wait to try this dish, it looks delicious. Thank you so much for coming today and please come back! I will see you on Saturday for your big day!

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  53. Kimberly PetersonJanuary 20, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Delicious!! Always love a good gooey cheesy dish with chicken AND greens! Nice to have greens in this seemingly sinful but delicious dish :)

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  54. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Oh my heavenly days! My mom used to make this for us growing up and I have never seen it anywhere since. Funny thing, I was just thinking about it recently too. Most of my family cannot handle dairy very well, but I bet I could make my own "cream" soup with non-dairy milk. I"ll have to give it a go.

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  55. La Bella CooksJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    I haven't had chicken divan in ages! This looks fabulous.

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  56. a moderate lifeJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Hi Lisa! I have to tell you that EVERY birthday my husband has had in my home we make him chicken divan because it is his favorite recipe from his mom! Ours is a bit different, but they are all delicious! Thanks for sharing this on the hearth and soul hop this week! I am also going to mention your new sweet linky on my thoughts on friday link love at a moderate life! I love the idea of a dessert themed linky! Will browse through my recipe file and stop in for a cup of tea and a cookie on saturday! Wishing you all the best in your new linky and have a great friday! :) Alex

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  57. Bibi @ Bibi's Culinary JourneyJanuary 21, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    I never made Chicken Divan, but it sounds and looks absolutely delicious.

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  58. lisa is cookingJanuary 21, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    I'm a broccoli fan, so I love seeing it in dishes like this. The cheese on top looks irresistible!

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  59. UnknownJanuary 21, 2011 at 7:39 AM

    This looks like a great casserole with some classic flavours (who can go wrong with broccoli, cheese and chicken?!). I had never thought of combining the three at once. thanks for sharing!

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  60. The Better BakerJanuary 21, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    Lisa - I'm so tickled you found my blog! Thanks much for your comment. I will link up to your Sat. linky...thanks much for that invite. I just made Chicken Divan last night and plan to post it at my blog soon. *-* I'm your newest (within minutes=) follower too!

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  61. ericaJanuary 21, 2011 at 1:37 PM

    Oh my word! This looks absolutely amazing. Thanks so much for sharing. I am going to give this a try next week!

    xo

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  62. BethJanuary 21, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    Lisa, We love chicken and consider it one of our healthy alternatives. Your chicken divan sounds great! Thanks for stopping by my blog and inviting me to your Sweets for Saturday party. I'll be there!
    Hugs and blessings, Beth

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  63. ElsaJanuary 22, 2011 at 6:04 AM

    Oh, this meal reminds me of my grandma! When she was sick, my mom would make chicken divan and I would take it to her house to visit her. She LOVED it and would always ask for that chicken recipe "glorified chicken." haha!

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  64. UnknownJanuary 23, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    i've never tried chicken divan...but it looks so delicious that i have to try it! thank you for sharing it with the tuesday night supper club!

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  65. wacki04@TheKing'sCourt IVJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    I've never had this before but it looks great!! I'd love for you to stop by What's Cooking Wednesday (linkups every Tuesday evening) to share one of your fabulous recipes! Hope to see you there :)

    http://thekingscourt4.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20Cooking%20Wednesday

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