chicken divan recipe sherry parmesan recipe Chicken Divan Recipe Sherry Parmesan Made Easy and Delicious

Updated On: October 13, 2025

Chicken Divan is a timeless classic that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce topped with a crisp Parmesan crust. When you add a splash of sherry to the Parmesan sauce, it elevates the flavors beautifully, creating a rich and sophisticated dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

This Chicken Divan recipe with sherry and Parmesan is both comforting and elegant, offering a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy, and slightly nutty notes with a hint of wine-inspired depth.

Whether you’re new to Chicken Divan or looking to upgrade your version, this recipe will guide you through each step to achieve a perfectly baked casserole bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while savoring a hearty meal.

So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious, crowd-pleasing dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Divan with Sherry and Parmesan stands out because of its rich and creamy sauce that’s enhanced by the subtle sweetness and complexity of sherry wine. The Parmesan cheese topping adds a golden, crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the tender chicken and broccoli.

This dish is also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a comforting, flavorful casserole.

It’s a one-dish meal that combines protein, vegetables, and dairy in a way that feels indulgent but is surprisingly straightforward. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

If you love casseroles that are cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Divan recipe will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • ½ cup dry sherry
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for a heartier dish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

Equipment

  • Large casserole dish (about 9×13 inches)
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Steamer or pot for blanching broccoli
  • Oven

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden but not browned.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk and sherry, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the cheeses: Stir in ½ cup Parmesan cheese and all the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
  6. Assemble the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and cooked rice if using. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  7. Transfer to the baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top for a crispy crust.
  8. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Tips & Variations

“For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of whole milk and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also swap out the sherry for white wine or chicken broth if you prefer a milder flavor.”

Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or peas for extra color and nutrition. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

If you want to amp up the flavor, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking for an extra crunchy topping. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat well in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 380
Protein 38g
Fat 18g
Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 3g
Sodium 520mg

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Divan pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its rich flavors. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.

Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make a great accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, pair with steamed brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.

And if you’re interested in exploring more delicious recipes, check out these favorites:

Conclusion

Chicken Divan with sherry and Parmesan is a classic casserole that never goes out of style. Its creamy, cheesy sauce enriched with sherry adds a gourmet touch that’s surprisingly easy to achieve at home.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a comforting, satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a fine restaurant but feels like a warm hug from your kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make it your own, and enjoy the delicious results!

📖 Recipe Card: Chicken Divan with Sherry and Parmesan

Description: A creamy and savory chicken casserole with a hint of sherry and topped with Parmesan cheese. This classic dish is perfect for a comforting family meal.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, sherry, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a baking dish, layer broccoli and shredded chicken.
  4. Pour the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
  5. Sprinkle Parmesan and cheddar cheese on top.
  6. Cover with breadcrumbs.
  7. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 8 g

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Marta K

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