Delicious Chicken Divan Recipe for a Memorable Dinner
When it comes to preparing a delicious and nutritious gluten-free meal, the options can sometimes feel limited. But fear not! With my help, you’ll soon discover that going gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or flavor.
Introducing my mouthwatering Chicken Divan Gluten-Free Recipe – the ultimate comfort food for those craving a hearty and nourishing meal. This dish is packed with savory flavors and is sure to be a hit with everyone at your dinner table.
The recipe combines succulent tender chicken breasts with tender crunchy broccoli florets covered in a rich creamy sauce made from coconut oil, arrowroot flour, chicken broth, milk, and spices such as rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. Additionally, the casserole is topped off with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese that provides the perfect finishing touch.
Whether you are looking for a cozy dinner for two or for something the whole family can enjoy, this Chicken Divan Gluten-Free Recipe is definitely one to add to your menu rotation. Plus, it is perfect for those following low-carb or Paleo Whole30 diets as well.
So what are you waiting for? Follow my detailed instructions below and get ready to experience ultimate comfort food without compromising on your dietary restrictions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is not just any chicken divan recipe, my friends. This is the ultimate comfort food, revamped to be gluten-free and dairy-free without sacrificing taste or creaminess. Trust me, your taste buds and stomach will thank you for trying this recipe.
Not only is this dish rich and creamy, but it’s also packed with tasty and wholesome ingredients. We’ve got boneless, skinless chicken breasts topped with tender broccoli florets all bathed in a savory sauce made of coconut milk + chicken broth + arrowroot. The combination of rosemary, sage, garlic, and onions adds delicious complexity to the flavors.
And let’s not forget the best part, a layer of ooey-gooey cheddar cheese on top that perfectly complements the chicken-broccoli combo. This casserole is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd- it’s filling, satisfying and tasty.
But wait, there’s more! This Chicken Divan is versatile in many ways. You can make it paleo or whole30 compliant by simply omitting the cheese and using compliant brands for the stock, milk and sour cream (if desired). You can also add mushrooms to enhance its richness; they work amazingly well with the dish.
Whether you are on a low-carb or gluten-free diet, this Chicken Divan Cinnamon-Free Recipe will make your heart sing with delight. So go ahead, give it a try- trust me-once you make it once it will become your new favorite comfort food!
Ingredient List
Chicken Divan Casserole Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or cubed
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or butter)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup arrowroot flour (or regular flour if not gluten-free)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk of choice (we like almond milk)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary and sage, minced (optional)
For the Cream of Mushroom Soup:
- 2 Tbsp butter (or ghee for paleo/Whole30-friendly option)
- ½ onion, diced
- 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup arrowroot flour (or cassava flour works too)
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cups milk of choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, it’s time to learn how to make this delicious Chicken Divan casserole. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp arrowroot flour (cornstarch or regular flour can be used as subsitute)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Florets of a fresh broccoli
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F.
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Heat up coconut oil or butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Now, add onions and sauté them until they become translucent.
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Add chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until the fragrance fills your kitchen.
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Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces and add them to the skillet with onions and garlic.
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Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then let it cook until it turns golden brown on all sides.
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Pour chicken broth into the skillet slowly, allowing it to mix thoroughly with sautéed onions, garlic, and chicken pieces. Stir occasionally.
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Add arrowroot flour to a separate bowl and mix it with milk until there are no lumps left.
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Pour milk mixture slowly into the skillet while stirring continuously adding more milk mixture as needed for a total of about ½ cup milk.
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Cook for another 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
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Grease a casserole dish lightly with coconut oil or butter then place broccoli florets in your dish so that they form an even layer at the bottom of the dish.
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Pour the Prepared chicken and sauce over the broccoli florets layer spreading it evenly.
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Spread shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken and broccoli mixture, add extra rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.
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Bake in preheated oven uncovered for around 30 minutes or until cheese on the top begins to turn golden brown.
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Let sit for a few minutes before serving, garnishing with fresh herbs like rosemary leaves chopped finely so that they sprinkle all over the dish.
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Enjoy your delicious Chicken Divan gluten-free casserole!
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life, and it’s no different when it comes to cooking. Don’t be afraid to play around with substitutions and variations in this recipe to make it your own. You can switch things up and still create a rich, creamy and delicious Chicken Divan gluten-free casserole. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Milk: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk. In addition, coconut cream, cashew cream or oat milk can also be used as alternatives.
– Butter: If you don’t have butter on hand, you can replace it with vegan butter, margarine or olive oil.
– Arrowroot starch: Instead of arrowroot starch, cornstarch or tapioca flour can be used as a thickener.
– Vegetable broth: If chicken broth is not available or you’re vegetarian, use vegetable broth or water with some salt.
– Broccoli Cheese Casserole: For an extra cheesy version of the Chicken Divan recipe add some bread crumbs and cheddar cheese on top.
– Spices: Experiment with different spices like thyme, oregano or paprika to give the dish a unique twist. You could also swap out the rosemary or sage for thyme if you prefer.
– Protein: Instead of chicken breasts, try using cooked chicken thighs or tofu for a vegetarian version.
By making simple adjustments to the ingredients in this recipe, you can transform it into something entirely new and exciting that reflects your unique taste preferences. Get creative with these substitutions and watch as your Chicken Divan gluten-free casserole becomes a family favorite for years to come!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing, the gluten-free chicken divan casserole is very versatile. This dish is creamy, savory and juicy at the same time – making it a perfect partner for many other dishes or as a standalone meal on its own. You can serve it hot as soon as it comes out of the oven or reheat any leftovers for a quick and easy meal on busy weeknights.
For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some gluten-free bread crumbs or cheddar cheese on top of the casserole before baking in the oven. The cheese will melt into a gooey, savory goodness while the bread crumbs will create a contrasting texture on top which makes it more fun to eat. You may also pair this recipe with more greens like a simple green salad on the side. The chicken broccoli casserole is quite rich and hearty, so a light salad will help to balance its flavors.
If you have guests over, the gluten-free chicken divan casserole can also be paired with white wine or rosemary-infused teas. A light and crisp Chardonnay will go well with this dish, while oolong tea with aromatic rosemary or sage infusions can create an earthy yet refreshing sensation. All these options make for a complete dining experience where every bite and sip is harmoniously complementing each other.
The final say is that this chicken divan is almost like the ultimate comfort food, easy to cook, scrumptious to taste and versatile enough to pair with anything from salads to beverages.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re busy and looking to save time, this Chicken Divan is a great option because it can be made a day or two ahead of time. Simply let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze the casserole for up to three months.
When you’re ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C. Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole and cover with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes if reheating a thawed casserole or about 35-40 minutes if reheating straight from the freezer.
If you have any leftovers, chicken divan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen in individual portions for later use. To reheat individual servings, simply microwave on high for a minute or so until heated through.
One tip to keep in mind when reheating is to add a splash of chicken stock, dairy-free milk or coconut cream when reheating. This will help bring back some of the original moisture that might have evaporated during refrigeration or freezing.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking a perfect chicken divan casserole, especially one that is gluten-free and dairy-free, may seem challenging for some. However, with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve a delicious and healthy dish that will please everyone’s taste buds. Here are some tips to ensure that your chicken divan recipe comes out as the ultimate comfort food:
1. Use arrowroot or gluten-free flour as a thickener
Since we are going gluten-free in our recipe, it is essential to use alternative flours like arrowroot starch or gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce in the chicken divan casserole. These flours help create a rich and creamy texture without sacrificing taste.
2. Cook the chicken and broccoli separately
To keep the broccoli from getting mushy, cook the chicken and broccoli separately, and then combine them when making the sauce. This technique will stop the broccoli from overcooking and maintain its crunchiness.
3. Roast the garlic and onion
Before incorporating them into the recipe, roast the garlic and onion. This step will enhance their flavor profile while adding a depth of flavor to your dish.
4. Use dairy-free alternatives
The original recipe includes ingredients like milk, cheese, and cream which contain dairy products. Fortunately, nowadays there are many dairy-free alternatives readily available in most grocery stores that perfectly mimic their dairy-based counterparts without affecting taste or show any significant difference in results while cooking.
5. Don’t overcook!
Overcooked chicken makes the meat tough and less flavorful , so as soon as your skinless chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F take it out of heat.
6. Experiment with spices
You can customize this recipe using different spices like rosemary, sage or pepper that suit your taste buds or create variation.
Follow these tips for perfect results on this gluten- free and dairy- free chicken divan casserole recipe that is sure to satisfy your cravings for a creamy, hearty and healthy casserole.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this chicken divan recipe is not only gluten-free and dairy-free but also rich, creamy and full of flavor. With the addition of fresh herbs and white wine, this dish is elevated to an ultimate comfort food. As a nutritionist, I highly recommend this recipe for those seeking a healthier alternative to the classic chicken divan casserole. The ingredients used in this recipe provide a balanced blend of nutrients that not only satisfy your taste buds but also nourish your body.
Whether you’re on a keto, paleo or whole30 diet, this recipe can easily be customized to suit your dietary needs. You can even make substitutions and variations based on your preference without compromising the taste or texture.
I hope you find this chicken divan gluten free recipe helpful and easy to follow. Don’t hesitate to try it out for yourself and let me know what you think. Remember, healthy eating doesn’t have to be tasteless or boring. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can enjoy delicious meals that support your overall well-being.
Chicken Divan Gluten Free Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/8 cup butter
- 1/8 cup coconut oil (or all butter)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/3 cup arrowroot or 1/3 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 -3 cups leftover cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- sage, to taste
- rosemary, to taste
- 1/8 cup white wine
- 1 lb cooked broccoli
- 1/2-1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- Melt the butter and coconut oil in a large saucepan and add onion and garlic; saute until the onions are tender and fragrant.
- Stir in arrowroot powder (or flour) until it is absorbed by the fat and clinging to the vegetables.
- Gradually add the chicken broth and milk. Cook and stir until the mixture boils, boiling for another minute.
- Stir in the white wine, chicken and seasonings; cook and stir for a few more minutes to thoroughly heat the chicken and to blend the flavors.
- Arrange the broccoli in a well oiled 9x13-inch baking pan. Pour the chicken mixture over the broccoli.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the mixture and bake for about 20 minutes.
- Serve with gluten free bread or noodles.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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