This is Chicken Divan the way it was meant to be made, with a real cream sauce. In the age of “canned soup is the main ingredient”, this throwback to the 1950s is the version that would have been served at The Divan Parisian Restaurant in New York, where Chicken Divan was its specialty. The chef wanted this dish to signify continental elegance, and this version certainly does the job.
It is not a five minute recipe, but a great dining experience rarely involves throwing a few processed ingredients into a pan. This chicken divan recipe, like all the recipes that replace quickie shortcuts to once-great dishes, takes only a few minutes longer to make than a speedy version.
You'll feel like you've gone back in time as you savor each bite, back to an era of fine dining and relaxing dinners. White tablecloth and vintage candlesticks are optional, but recommended every once in a while; you deserve the best!
Chicken Divan
Ingredients:
2 heads broccoli, tops only, cut into florets
2 cooked chicken breast halves – bones and skin removed, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 Tablespoons sherry
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon ground black peppercorns
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a small to medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour with a wire whisk. Let bubble for about 2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and wait for the bubbling to stop. Beat in milk all at once. Return pot to heat and stirring constantly with the whisk, bring mixture to a boil, at which point it should be thickened and smooth. Stir in nutmeg, sherry, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer another minute. Stir in lemon juice. Cover and keep hot over very low heat.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook broccoli until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, then arrange it in one layer in a 9×13 baking dish.
5. Sprinkle broccoli with about half the grated cheese. Arrange chicken meat on top of the broccoli.
6. Whisk heavy cream into the white sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over chicken and broccoli. Sprinkle with remaining grated cheese.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until heated through, then broil for a few minutes until top has turned golden brown.
Other Vintage Recipes to Try
There are a plethora of vintage recipes out there. Some of them are still very popular, while others don't get the love that they deserve. Let's check out some great ones to try once you've had this chicken reicpe:
- Crispy cheese wafers. This is a popular vintage dish in the American south. Often served as an appetizer or snack, these wafers are known for keeping guests satisfied until the main meal. Try making them for your next party!
- Cucumber sandwiches. You may have had one of these at your grandmother or mother's house. Cucumber sandwiches are healthy, crisp sandwiches that are perfect for a hot day. If you're craving a sandwich on a diet, a cucumber sandwich is a perfect idea.
- Ham salad. Chicken salad is extremely popular, but have you given ham salad a fair chance? Ham salad goes great on sandwiches, making it a perfect lunch option.
- Okra and tomatoes. Another southern dish, this simple dish dates back years. Okra and tomatoes can be served as a main dish, or it can be served as a side to something else. This is a delicious and healthy dish.
- Candied yams. Sweet potato casserole often gets a lot of love among Americans, but candied yams deserve just as much attention. The next time you serve a holiday dinner, consider including candied yams as part of your menu.
- Coconut cream pie. You've probably had chocolate cream or peanut butter cream pie. What about coconut cream? This vintage pie is a great choice for anyone in your family or friend circle who loves cream pie. It's different than the typical flavors, and an excellent homage to times gone by.
- Cornmeal pancakes. These pancakes are notably lighter than their buckwheat counterpart, making them a great choice for someone who can't handle a heavy, dense breakfast. Cornmeal pancakes are simple and cheap to make for most, so what are you waiting for? Give them a try!
- Apple raisin bread. Cinnamon raisin bread is popular, but apple raisin bread deserves love, too! This is a great bread to prepare in autumn, when fresh apples are readily available. It has the flavors you'd want out of a fall bread, while not being too sweet or savory. Give it a try this fall.