Chicken Divan is a classic casserole, a comforting dish traditionally made with chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce. This keto-friendly version recreates the traditional flavors while significantly reducing the carbohydrate content. This recipe is perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet, offering a delicious and satisfying meal without the guilt.
What is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan originated in the early twentieth century at New York’s Chatham Hotel’s Divan Parisienne Restaurant. The exact recipe is unknown; but the dish contained chicken, broccoli, and a creamy Mornay sauce. A classic Mornay sauce is a Bechamel sauce with cheese, usually Gruyere but sometimes Parmesan. The dish is typically baked until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Why Keto Chicken Divan?
Most traditional chicken divan recipes are not keto-friendly. They typically contain a “cream of” broccoli or chicken soup, or if they are made with real food ingredients, they will be thickened with flour. Additionally, many recipes contain rice. This keto chicken divan recipe is perfect for your keto diet.
Many chicken divan recipes use canned condensed soups making them easy to whip up with pantry staples. This version ditches the condensed soup but uses only a few extra ingredients that are still staples in most keto pantries. Butter, xanthan gum, and chicken stock replace the soup when combined with a little mayo and sour cream.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken breasts or Rotisserie chicken are convenient options. Pre-cooked chicken breast cut into cubes works well, but rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken thighs would work great as well. This is a great recipe to use up leftover cooked chicken in. You can use white or dark meat, or a combination. Season the chopped up chicken with salt and pepper {or garlic pepper blend}.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are preferred. If you want to use frozen broccoli, let it thaw first and skip the steaming step. In a pinch, you can use the bags of frozen broccoli that steam in the microwave.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a staple, adding a creamy and sharp flavor.
- Sauce Base: The base of the creamy sauce is a combination of keto-friendly ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream cheese. This recipe relies on other ingredients to give it a thick and delicious sauce.
- Flavor Enhancers: Curry powder is the star of this dish, providing a unique and comforting flavor. Other flavor enhancers include dried minced onion, garlic, lemon juice, and various spices.
- Topping: A buttery, crunchy topping made from parmesan cheese and almond flour adds texture and flavor to the casserole. Pork rinds combined with two types of cheese add a crunchy top layer with great texture and lots of flavors. You can use keto crackers for the topping. Just add a few handfuls to a Ziploc bag along and crush up with a rolling pin. Then mix with melted butter and sprinkle on top of the casserole before baking.
Recipe Adjustments for Dietary Needs
- Dairy-Free: If you cannot consume sour cream, substitute Greek yogurt. If heavy cream is a no-no, and you are allergic to coconut so unsweetened almond milk is your only option. Butter, Fage Greek Yogurt (full fat version) and any cheese aged over 90 days do not contain lactose. Use heavy cream or whole milk. Sour cream stays creamier than Greek yogurt in sauces. I’m sure 8 ounces of cream cheese would do the trick as well!
- Thicker Sauce: For a saucier casserole mix 1/2 cup of heavy cream into the sauce mixture. If you would like a thicker sauce, you can add more xanthan gum.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Add the broccoli to a large skillet, toss to coat with the oil. Add 1/2 cup of chicken stock and cover pan. Lower heat to LOW and steam broccoli for about 2 minutes. Spread the broccoli even across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. To do this, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli, and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and immediately place in a large bowl filled with water and ice. Drain again.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken. Cook over Medium heat until cooked through, turning as needed. Transfer the chicken to the baking dish, spreading evenly over the broccoli.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add 2 Tablespoons of butter (or olive oil), cayenne pepper, dry mustard powder, garlic powder and onion powder to the skillet. Whisk in the 1/2 teaspoon Glucannannon (or 1/2 Tablespoon Xantan gum). Reduce heat to Low and gradually whisk in 1 cup of chicken stock and 1 cup of milk (heavy cream/whole milk/Cashewmilk). Simmer until the sauce starts to thicken. Add the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and 3/4 cup grated cheese.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl combine the cubed chicken breast and drained broccoli. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream and chicken stock mixture. Pour mayonnaise mixture over chicken and broccoli. Stir until completely combined.
- Add to Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 10 x 12, 9 x 13 or 2 1/2 quart baking dish with cooking spray or coconut oil. Dump into a 9×13 baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Place mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the parmesan cheese and almond flour. Set aside.
- Bake: Top with shredded cheese. Evenly sprinkle the parmesan/almond flour topping over it. Cover casserole and bake for 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Broil (Optional): To get the topping a golden brown, change the oven temperature to LO broil and lightly brown the top of the casserole for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve while warm. You can serve this easy keto chicken divan by itself for an easy one-dish keto casserole dinner.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Chicken Divan
- Drain Broccoli Well: After you cook your broccoli, make sure you drain it well. This is important to ensure your casserole doesn’t end up runny.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese soften before using. This will make it easier for you to combine it with the mayo and sour cream. It will ensure you will have a smooth and creamy mixture.
- Advance Preparation: Prepare the keto casserole without the topping mix and store it up to one day in advance. When ready to bake, make the topping mix and spread it evenly over the top of the casserole. This casserole can be made in advance and baked just before serving.
- Freezing: If you would like to freeze this keto-friendly casserole, it will keep for up to three months. Another make-ahead tip is to cook two pans and freeze one for another night. Just defrost and reheat in the oven at 350 degrees, covered, for 30 - 40 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Variations and Additions
- Vegetables: You can add other low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower rice or spinach.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping, such as mozzarella or Gruyere.
Serving Suggestions
This Keto Chicken Divan Curry Casserole Recipe is rich and creamy with broccoli, cheddar, and a hint of curry. This low carb gluten free casserole is so filling that sometimes we eat it on its own, especially as leftovers for lunch.
Read also: Creamy Keto Recipe
Other Keto Recipes to Try
- Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake: So rich and creamy! Enjoy this easy keto dessert guilt-free.
- Keto Cauliflower Ziti: Enjoy all the flavours of hearty Italian meal without the carbs!
- Cheese Chips: Delicious and so darn easy to make!
- Parmesan Crisps: The perfect low carb snack! This easy recipe is guilt-free and delicious.
- Keto Zuppa Toscana: A keto friendly version of the famous Tuscan soup!
- Keto Brussels Sprouts Casserole - Cheesy comfort food you can enjoy guilt-free!
- Keto Pecan Butter Tarts - A low carb version of Canada’s favorite dessert!
- Keto Cheese Balls
- Keto Butter Chicken with Noodles
- Keto Creamy Chicken with spinach and mushrooms
- Keto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Keto Chicken Picatta
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide