Easy Skillet Chicken Divan Recipe

Skillet Chicken Divan: A Delicious One-Pan Comfort Dish

Skillet Chicken Divan is a classic, creamy chicken and broccoli dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich flavors. Traditionally made in a casserole dish, this skillet version offers a quicker, one-pan solution without sacrificing any of the dish’s comforting, hearty qualities. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy, creamy sauce, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite in many households.

This dish not only saves time with its one-skillet preparation but also delivers the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The creaminess of the sauce pairs perfectly with the crunch of the broccoli and the tender, juicy chicken. Plus, this recipe can be easily customized with different ingredients to suit your preferences. For more on the nutritional benefits of broccoli, check out this article on Healthline.

Originally created at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York, Chicken Divan quickly gained popularity as a luxurious, creamy casserole. Today, many home cooks prepare this classic using a skillet for convenience, bringing the flavors of this restaurant dish right to the dinner table. Learn how to perfectly brown chicken in a skillet by visiting this Serious Eats guide.

History of Chicken Divan

The history of Chicken Divan begins in New York at the Divan Parisien Restaurant, where it was created as a high-end casserole featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich cream sauce. Traditionally, this dish was made with a Mornay sauce (a cheese-based béchamel sauce), but over the years, it has been adapted with various cream and cheese combinations for ease and flavor.

This dish became especially popular in American households during the mid-20th century, as it fit perfectly into the growing trend of casserole-style meals. While the original recipe called for elaborate preparations, modern versions like the Skillet Chicken Divan offer a quicker, simplified approach without compromising on taste.

What Makes Skillet Chicken Divan Unique?

The skillet version of Chicken Divan sets itself apart from the traditional casserole dish by offering a faster, more efficient cooking method. Instead of baking the dish for extended periods, this recipe allows you to cook everything in one skillet, speeding up the process while still delivering the comforting flavors we all love.

Here’s why Skillet Chicken Divan stands out:

One-pan preparation: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your meal.
Quicker cooking time: Skillet cooking reduces the time it takes to get dinner on the table.
Flexible ingredients: This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or use different cheeses.

Key Ingredients for Skillet Chicken Divan

To make Skillet Chicken Divan, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for a tender, juicy result.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal, though frozen broccoli can be used if you drain it well to avoid a watery dish.
Cheese: Cheddar or Parmesan are the most popular choices for adding richness to the sauce.
Cream Sauce: You can make the sauce with heavy cream, sour cream, or a condensed soup base like cream of chicken or mushroom.
Aromatics: Garlic, onion, and spices like paprika add depth to the flavor.
Optional: Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping or mushrooms for extra texture.

Variations of Skillet Chicken Divan

The beauty of Skillet Chicken Divan lies in its versatility. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are some popular variations:

Healthier Version: Swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt to reduce the calorie and fat content.
Low-Carb Option: Replace the broccoli with cauliflower, or omit breadcrumbs to make this dish keto-friendly.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or skip them entirely to make this dish gluten-free.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.

How to Make Skillet Chicken Divan: Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, blanched)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Panko breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions:

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then brown on both sides until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
Add the Broccoli: Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
Make the Sauce: Pour the cream into the skillet, stirring to coat the vegetables. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine and Bake: Return the chicken to the skillet, top with cheese, and place the skillet in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking for an extra crunchy topping.

Cooking Techniques: Skillet vs. Casserole Dish

While Skillet Chicken Divan offers a fast, one-pan solution, you may wonder how it compares to the traditional casserole method. Here’s a breakdown of the two approaches:

Skillet: Cooking everything in one skillet is quicker and reduces the number of dishes to clean. It also allows you to achieve a slightly crispy texture on the chicken and topping.
Casserole Dish: This method involves baking the ingredients in a casserole dish for a longer time, resulting in a more evenly baked texture but requiring more preparation and cleanup.

Serving Suggestions for Skillet Chicken Divan

Skillet Chicken Divan is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to round out your meal:

Rice or Pasta: Serve the creamy chicken and broccoli over a bed of rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Light Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the dish.
Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

For more inspiration on what to serve with this dish, take a look at Taste of Home’s best side dishes for chicken.

Nutritional Information and Health Considerations

Skillet Chicken Divan can be adjusted to fit various nutritional needs. Here’s a breakdown of its approximate nutritional content:

Calories: Around 500-600 calories per serving, depending on the amount of cheese and cream used.
Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, making this a protein-rich dish.
Fat: The dish is relatively high in fat due to the cream and cheese, but you can reduce this by using light cream or substituting with Greek yogurt.
Carbohydrates: Broccoli adds fiber, but the dish remains low-carb unless served with rice or pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen broccoli for Skillet Chicken Divan?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess water to avoid a soggy dish.

Can I make Skillet Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake until heated through.

Is Skillet Chicken Divan gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, turkey, shrimp, or tofu are great substitutes if you’re looking to change up the protein.

Conclusion

Skillet Chicken Divan is the perfect solution for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and highly customizable. Whether you’re making the traditional version or experimenting with lighter, gluten-free, or cheesy variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the ease of one-pan cooking while delivering restaurant-quality flavors straight to your dinner table!