A gelatin-rich bone broth and real parmesan give the sauce actual body, and a pinch of curry powder is the classic touch that keeps it from tasting flat. Blanch the broccoli only until it turns bright green and still has some firmness. It keeps cooking in the oven and slides into gray mush if you take it any further.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook30 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Chicken breasts
Pastured chicken poaches gently and stays tender under the sauce.
Poach the chickenSimmer the breasts in the broth 15 minutes to 165F internal, then pull and slice; reserve the poaching broth for the sauce.
Blanch the broccoliDrop broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 2 minutes until bright green and still firm, then shock in ice water and drain.
Build the sauceMelt butter, cook the flour and curry powder 2 minutes, then whisk in the reserved broth and cream; simmer to a coating sauce and stir in half the parmesan.
LayerLay broccoli in a buttered dish, top with sliced chicken, pour over the sauce, and finish with the rest of the parmesan.
BakeBake at 375F for 25-30 minutes until bubbling, then broil the last 2 minutes to brown the top.
Can you make Chicken Divan in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Chicken Divan? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Chicken Divan ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Chicken Divan gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Chicken Divan vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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