Low Carb Chicken Divan Recipe

There are some dishes that are pure, unadulterated comfort in a casserole dish, and Chicken Divan is undoubtedly one of them. For years, I thought of it as a guilty pleasure—a nostalgic, creamy, and cheesy bake that was a staple at family gatherings but a definite no-go on my low-carb lifestyle. The traditional versions, often made with canned cream-of-whatever soup and a breadcrumb topping, were delicious but left me feeling sluggish. I was determined to recreate that cozy, satisfying feeling without the carbs and processed ingredients. After several attempts, tweaking the sauce to get that perfect velvety texture and ensuring the chicken and broccoli were cooked to perfection, I finally nailed it. The first time I served this Low Carb Chicken Divan to my family, the reaction was pure magic. My husband, a connoisseur of classic comfort foods, took one bite and his eyes widened. He couldn’t believe it was “healthy.” The kids devoured it, completely oblivious to the fact that it was packed with nutrients and free of gluten and sugar. It has since become a weekly rotation hero in our household—it’s the meal I turn to on a busy weeknight when I need something reliable, delicious, and deeply satisfying for everyone at the table. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or that warm, fuzzy feeling of a home-cooked classic to stick to your wellness goals. This recipe is my love letter to comfort food, reimagined for a healthier kitchen.

What Exactly is Chicken Divan? A Brief History

Before we dive into my modern, low-carb take, it’s worth appreciating the origins of this classic American casserole. Chicken Divan was created in the 1950s at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in the New York City Chatham Hotel. The name “Divan” refers to a meeting place or a grand council room in the Middle East, and the restaurant aimed to provide an air of sophistication and luxury.

The original recipe was a masterpiece of its time, featuring poached chicken breast and tender broccoli florets blanketed in a rich Mornay sauce—a béchamel sauce enriched with Gruyère and Parmesan cheese. A touch of sherry was often added for depth. It was decadent, elegant, and an instant hit. Over the decades, as home cooking evolved for convenience, the recipe was simplified. The elegant Mornay sauce was often replaced by a mixture of mayonnaise and canned condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup, and the topping shifted from a simple cheese crust to buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.

While these shortcut versions are beloved for their simplicity, they often come with a high carb count, processed ingredients, and sodium. This Low Carb Chicken Divan recipe pays homage to the creamy, cheesy spirit of the original while ditching the carbs, gluten, and canned soups. We create a luxurious, velvety sauce from scratch using simple, wholesome ingredients, proving that healthy and convenient can, and should, go hand in hand.

Why This Low Carb Chicken Divan Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

• Incredibly Creamy and Flavorful: We build a rich, savory sauce from a base of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream, seasoned perfectly with Dijon, garlic, and onion powder. It’s so decadent, you won’t miss the flour-thickened sauces for a second.
• Keto, Low-Carb, and Gluten-Free: With no flour, no sugar, and no breadcrumbs, this recipe fits seamlessly into a ketogenic, low-carb, or gluten-free diet. It’s pure protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense vegetables.
• A One-Dish Wonder: Casseroles are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. Everything bakes together in one dish, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor melding.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is a meal-prepper’s dream. It holds up beautifully in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to marry. You can assemble it ahead of time or bake it and portion it out for lunches all week.
• Family-Approved Comfort Food: This is one of those rare healthy recipes that doesn’t taste healthy. It’s cheesy, creamy, and comforting enough to win over even the pickiest eaters. It’s a fantastic way to get kids to eat their broccoli!

Ingredients for the Perfect Low Carb Chicken Divan

To achieve the perfect balance of creamy texture and robust flavor, the quality and type of ingredients matter. Here is the exact list you’ll need, with some notes on why each one is chosen.

Yields: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

For the Casserole Base:

• Chicken: 2 lbs (about 4 large) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or cubed. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saving hack! You can also use cooked chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
• Broccoli: 6 cups of fresh broccoli florets (from about 2 large heads). Fresh broccoli provides the best texture. If you must use frozen, ensure it is completely thawed and patted very dry to avoid a watery sauce.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. This builds the aromatic foundation of the sauce.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. For sautéing the onion and adding richness.

For the Creamy Low-Carb Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: 1 cup of high-quality, avocado oil-based mayonnaise. Check the label to ensure it has no added sugar. This is the secret to a stable, creamy, and tangy sauce without the need for flour.
• Sour Cream: 1 cup of full-fat sour cream. Adds a delightful tang and contributes to the velvety texture. Full-fat is crucial for the best consistency and to prevent separation.
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces of full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature. This is the key to a thick, luscious, and cheesy-tasting sauce. Softening it is essential for a smooth, lump-free blend.
• Chicken Broth: ¼ cup of quality chicken broth or bone broth. Used to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency. Bone broth will add extra collagen and nutrients.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Adds a subtle, complex tang that cuts through the richness of the dairy.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Brightens up all the flavors and balances the creaminess.
• Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon Xanthan Gum (optional, but recommended). This is a powerful low-carb thickener. A tiny amount will ensure your sauce is luxuriously thick and never watery.

For the Cheesy Topping:

• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded. Freshly shredding your cheese from a block is non-negotiable! Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in starches (like potato starch) to prevent clumping, which adds hidden carbs and prevents the cheese from melting as smoothly.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Low Carb Chicken Divan

Follow these simple steps to create a flawless casserole every time. The key is in the preparation and layering of flavors.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli

1. Cook the Chicken: If you are not using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, start by cooking your chicken breasts. You can boil, bake, or pan-sear them until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred it with two forks or chop it into bite-sized cubes. Set aside.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh broccoli florets and blanch for just 2-3 minutes. You are looking for a tender-crisp texture and a vibrant green color—do not overcook it to mush!
3. Shock the Broccoli: Immediately drain the broccoli and transfer it to an ice water bath. This process, called “shocking,” stops the cooking process instantly and preserves its bright color and crisp texture. Once cooled, drain it thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step to prevent a watery casserole.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish or another 3-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent, but not browned. This step develops a sweet, savory base for your sauce.

Step 3: Create the Velvety Low-Carb Sauce

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use an electric hand mixer or a whisk to beat them together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Starting with room temperature ingredients will make this much easier.
2. Add Flavor and Seasonings: Whisk in the sautéed onions, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Continue to mix until everything is well incorporated.
3. Incorporate Dry Seasonings: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix again. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. It should be boldly flavored, as it will be coating the chicken and broccoli.
4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended): If using, sprinkle the ¼ teaspoon of Xanthan Gum evenly over the surface of the sauce. Immediately whisk it in vigorously for about 30 seconds until the sauce has thickened slightly. Be careful not to add too much, as a little goes a long way.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

1. Combine Ingredients: To the large bowl with the sauce, add the cooked, shredded chicken and the dry, blanched broccoli florets. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out into an even layer.
3. Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the 2 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, covering it from edge to edge.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is done when the sauce is hot and bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is fully melted and turning golden brown.
5. Optional Broil for a Crispier Top: For a beautifully browned and slightly crispy cheese crust, you can switch the oven to the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it carefully, as the broiler can burn the cheese very quickly!
6. Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set up and thicken further, making it easier to serve.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 520 kcal

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. For precise calculations, you should use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Your Low Carb Chicken Divan

While this casserole is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of low-carb side dishes to round out your dinner.

• Over a Bed of Cauliflower Rice: This is the classic low-carb pairing. The neutral flavor of steamed or pan-fried cauliflower rice is perfect for soaking up the extra creamy sauce.
• With Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a pasta-like experience, serve the Chicken Divan over a bed of lightly sautéed zucchini noodles.
• Alongside a Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with leafy greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette provides a fresh, acidic contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.
• With Steamed or Roasted Asparagus: A side of tender asparagus spears drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon complements the broccoli and adds another layer of green goodness.
• As a Standalone Dish: Simply scoop a generous portion onto a plate and enjoy its comforting goodness all by itself. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Additional Tips for the Best Possible Casserole

1. Don’t Skip Blanching the Broccoli: It might seem like an extra step, but blanching and shocking the broccoli is key. It ensures the florets are perfectly tender-crisp, not mushy, and it prevents them from releasing excess water into your sauce, which is the number one cause of a runny casserole.
2. The Magic of Full-Fat Dairy: For low-carb cooking, especially sauces, full-fat is your friend. Full-fat sour cream, cream cheese, and high-quality mayonnaise are less likely to separate or become watery when heated and provide a far superior, richer flavor and texture.
3. Shred Your Own Cheese: This tip cannot be overstated. Pre-shredded bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch that add unnecessary carbs and prevent the cheese from melting into a smooth, gooey layer. Buy a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself—the difference is remarkable.
4. Customize Your Spices: Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth, or some dried thyme or rosemary for a more herbaceous flavor profile.
5. Achieve Meal Prep Perfection: This recipe is ideal for planning ahead. You can fully assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the total cooking time since it will be starting from cold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but you must be very careful to prevent a watery result. Do not add the broccoli to the casserole while it’s still frozen. You must thaw it completely first. After thawing, place the florets in a colander and press down firmly to squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Then, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels before adding them to the sauce. Fresh broccoli is still highly recommended for the best texture, but this method will work in a pinch.

2. My casserole came out watery. What did I do wrong?
A watery casserole is usually caused by one of three things:

• Wet Broccoli: You didn’t dry your blanched or frozen broccoli well enough.
• Low-Fat Dairy: Using low-fat sour cream or cream cheese can cause the sauce to be thin and sometimes separate when baked.
• Skipping the Thickener: While optional, the tiny bit of Xanthan Gum acts as insurance against a thin sauce. If you consistently have issues, it’s a worthwhile addition to your pantry.

3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftover Chicken Divan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions, but the best method is to place it back in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps the sauce stay creamy and prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery.

4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes reasonably well. For best results, bake the casserole and allow it to cool completely. You can freeze it whole in a freezer-safe dish or portion it out into individual containers. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F (175°C) as described above. Note that sauces made with mayonnaise and sour cream can sometimes change texture slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.

5. Can I use a different protein or vegetable?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile.

• Protein: Leftover Thanksgiving turkey is a classic substitute for chicken. Cooked, crumbled sausage or even cooked shrimp would also be delicious.
• Vegetables: Cauliflower is a fantastic substitute or addition to the broccoli. You could also try adding sautéed mushrooms or steamed green beans to the mix for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure that any vegetable you add is pre-cooked and well-drained.

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