Easy Chicken Divan with Asparagus Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Creamy and comforting chicken divan with asparagus brings together classic flavors that dance on your plate.

Memories of home-cooked meals whisper through each delectable bite.

Asparagus adds a fresh, crisp dimension to this beloved casserole.

Hearty chicken nestles among tender vegetables and rich sauce.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special, and this recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

Cheesy, golden-topped goodness awaits you at the dinner table.

Uncover the magic of this simple yet elegant dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Divan with Asparagus: An Elegant Classic

• Effortless Gourmet Experience: Elevate your weeknight dinner with this sophisticated yet simple chicken and asparagus casserole that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this entire dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Healthy Comfort Food Makeover: Packed with lean protein from chicken, nutrient-rich asparagus, and a creamy cheese sauce that feels indulgent but still maintains a balanced nutritional profile.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Equally impressive for casual family dinners or elegant dinner parties, this recipe adapts beautifully to different occasions and impresses guests with minimal effort.

Components of Chicken Divan with Asparagus

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base of the dish, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Almonds: Crunchy topping that adds nutty flavor and texture.

• Half-and-Half: Creamy base for sauce that provides rich consistency.
• Cheese: Adds smooth, melting texture and sharp flavor, sharp cheddar or gruyere work best.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create smooth sauce roux.

• Asparagus: Fresh green vegetable that adds color and nutrition, choose thin, bright green spears.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herb flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall dish flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to seasoning.
• White Pepper: Subtle, smooth pepper flavor without dark specks.
• Nutmeg: Warm, subtle spice that complements cheese sauce.

• Sherry or Wine: Adds depth and complexity to sauce, optional but recommended.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds light flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates smooth, thick sauce base.

Cooking Steps for Chicken Divan with Asparagus

Step 1: Roast the Poultry

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a large baking dish and lightly coat it with oil.

Drizzle the chicken breasts with more oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Pop the chicken into the oven and let it cook until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, which takes about 22-25 minutes.

Once done, let the chicken rest briefly, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.

Keep the oven warm and ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Veggie

Fill a bowl with ice water for chilling.

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Quickly dunk the asparagus into the boiling water for just 30-45 seconds until it turns a vibrant green.

Immediately transfer the asparagus to the ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Pat dry with paper towels, then chop into thirds.

Spread the asparagus evenly in the baking dish and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Whisk in flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes without letting it brown.

Add a splash of sherry to create a thick paste.

Slowly pour in half-and-half, whisking until smooth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until it thickens.

Stir in cheese until it melts completely.

• White pepper
• Nutmeg
• Cooked chicken pieces

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the cheesy chicken sauce over the asparagus, spreading it evenly.

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges start to bubble.

Remove the foil, sprinkle almonds on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve piping hot.

Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips For Creamy Chicken Divan

• Ensure chicken stays moist by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer, avoiding overcooking which can dry out the meat.
• Shock asparagus in ice water immediately after boiling to lock in vibrant green color and maintain crisp texture, preventing mushy vegetables.
• Whisk constantly when adding flour to butter to prevent lumps, creating a silky-smooth base for your creamy cheese sauce.
• Swap chicken with turkey or tofu for alternative protein options, and use gluten-free flour to make the dish suitable for different dietary needs.
• Toast almonds briefly before sprinkling to enhance their flavor and add extra depth to the dish's final presentation.

Chicken Divan With Asparagus Storage Tips

• Transfer leftover chicken divan to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, keeping for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle fresh almonds on top for extra crunch.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Good Matches For Divan

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve a crusty sourdough or herb-infused focaccia to soak up the rich, cheesy sauce and add textural contrast to the dish.
• Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites of the creamy Chicken Divan.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a side of roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips to add earthiness and additional nutrition that harmonizes with the asparagus and chicken.

Asparagus Chicken Divan Twists

• Vegetarian Divan: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using plant-based cheese and vegetable broth for a meatless version that maintains protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the roux remains smooth and the sauce thickens properly.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap asparagus with zucchini or cauliflower, using almond flour instead of wheat flour to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish creamy and satisfying.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of half-and-half, nutritional yeast in place of cheese, and olive oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free casserole that still delivers rich flavor.

FAQs

• Is chicken divan a healthy dish?

While delicious, chicken divan is moderately healthy. It contains protein from chicken and nutrients from asparagus, but the cream sauce and cheese add significant calories and fat. To make it healthier, use low-fat cheese and half-and-half.

• Can I use different vegetables instead of asparagus?

Yes, broccoli is the traditional vegetable for chicken divan. You can also use green beans or cauliflower as excellent alternatives that work well with the creamy cheese sauce.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese provide the best flavor profile. They melt smoothly and add depth to the sauce. Avoid mild cheeses that might make the sauce bland.

• Do I need to use sherry in the sauce?

No, sherry is optional. You can substitute with white wine, chicken broth, or simply use more half-and-half. The goal is to add a subtle complexity to the sauce’s flavor.

Chicken Divan with Asparagus Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy chicken divan with asparagus brings classic comfort to your dinner table, blending tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a luscious sauce. Cheese-topped and baked to golden perfection, this dish promises a delightful meal you’ll savor with every forkful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound or 454 grams)

Vegetables:

• 2 bunches asparagus (medium to wide width, about 1 1/2 pounds or 680 grams), tough ends trimmed

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dry sherry or dry white wine
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 1/4 cups grated Gruyere cheese (or Parmesan, or a combination)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided (plus more for greasing)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 pinch of nutmeg

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by drizzling with oil and seasoning with salt and black pepper. Roast in a preheated 350°F oven for 22-25 minutes until fully cooked. Allow to cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Create an ice bath and briefly blanch asparagus in boiling salted water until vibrant green. Quickly transfer to the ice bath, pat dry, and cut into thirds. Arrange in a prepared baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
3. Craft the creamy sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour until smooth. Incorporate sherry to form a thick paste, then gradually add half-and-half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, then fold in cheese until melted. Season with white pepper and nutmeg. Gently mix in the cooked chicken pieces.
5. Pour the cheese and chicken mixture over the asparagus, ensuring even coverage. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and bubbling.
6. Remove foil, sprinkle sliced almonds on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes to create a golden, crunchy topping.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, allowing the creamy sauce to showcase the tender chicken and crisp asparagus.

Notes

• Customize chicken texture by pounding breasts to even thickness before baking for consistent cooking and tenderness.
• Swap half-and-half with lighter cream or milk alternatives for reduced-calorie version without compromising rich flavor profile.
• Toast almonds separately before sprinkling to enhance nutty depth and prevent burning during final baking stage.
• Consider adding roasted garlic or lemon zest to cheese sauce for extra complexity and brightness in the dish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg