The big guy asked me last night how this casserole got the name of Chicken Divan and I had to admit I've got no clue. Likely a creation brought about via necessity, it was a darn good way to use up some of that leftover lemon chicken the big guy roasted in the oven the other night.
There seems to be at least one recipe for Chicken Divan in each of the Junior League cookbooks I've collected over the years, particularly the ones from the south. I notice that Food Network's Paula Deen makes one too that is a caloric nightmare with mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lots of cheese and butter in it, but because we're trying to turn over a new leaf I did some thinking when I was putting this casserole together.
I used reduced fat mushroom soup, a touch of half and half, cubed chicken, sherry, curry and lemon juice slathered on top of freshly steamed broccoli and dusted a little dried bread crumbs and a quick grating of swiss cheese on top. The result - a tasty, crunchy but creamy, delicious casserole that was perfect served on roasted butternut squash.
As incredible as it may seem, dinner was under 400 calories per serving - that's for the whole thing including the squash while Paula's Divan wouldn't have been so divine with all that cheese, mayo, butter and cream. It rings in at a whopping 738 per serving (casserole only) and for sure I'm not going to tell you what the cholesterol count would be.
By the way, if you're not a fan of curry, you can certainly substitute thyme instead - dried is fine but fresh would be even better. Download Chicken and Broccoli Casserole (Chicken Divan)
Great job putting together a classic without all the classic fat and calories. We all love Paula (of course) but geeze she sure can pack the pounds on us can't she?
Love that you topped butternut squash with the chicken and broccoli because I'm a squash freak (not telling you anything you didn't already know...LOL)
Posted by: Mags | 01/27/2010 at 05:31 PM
Mags - you're so right that we love Paula; she's so all about home/comfort food. I just wish I could come up with a cheater gooey butter cake but that's impossible! The big guy and I are really enjoying all the vegetables we're eating these days and especially squash, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus...
Posted by: June | 01/27/2010 at 05:35 PM
Lovely!!!!!! I could just taste it looking at the gorgeous photos!!!! And all those nutrients and vitamins - what a party in your bodies!!!! I bet you and the big guy are feeling better and better with each passing day!!! Such good food!!! It looks so creamy and yummy!!!!! Not lacking at all!!! Except in the empty calorie department!!!!
Posted by: Lea | 01/27/2010 at 07:44 PM
OK - because I just gotta know trivial things I looked it up: http://members.cox.net/jjschnebel/chdivan.html the answer to the how did the Chicken Divan get its name question is found here!!!
Posted by: Lea | 01/27/2010 at 07:52 PM
Lea - too funny. Who knew except now we know, ya know! We are feeling much better and enjoying our new moderation plan. I haven't had indigestion since we started the thing so what does that tell ya?
Posted by: June | 01/28/2010 at 06:35 AM