Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Chicken Divan Recipe
Whether you’re on a low-carb diet or just looking for a hearty meal, you’ll love this Low Carb Chicken Divan recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a standout dish in my kitchen.
The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich sauce creates a satisfying experience that feels indulgent yet healthy. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, which is a huge bonus for busy evenings.
I can’t get enough of how the melted cheddar and parmesan elevate each bite. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a favorite for both you and your family!
Ingredients of Low Carb Chicken Divan
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal, having the right ingredients at your fingertips is half the battle. For this Low Carb Chicken Divan, you’ll want to gather a few key components that not only tantalize your taste buds but also keep your carb count in check.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the rich flavors of chicken, cheese, and veggies. You might even find yourself sneaking a bite or two before it makes it to the table. I mean, who can resist a spoonful of that creamy goodness?
So, let’s explore what you’ll need to get started on this scrumptious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, divided
- 1/4 cup flour (or a low carb thickener)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sherry wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli, thawed and lightly chopped
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen cauliflower, thawed and chopped
- 4 cups cooked chicken, cubed (season with a little dried mustard, salt & pepper)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (8 ounces)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Now, before you start tossing things into the pot, let’s chat about a few considerations. If you’re not a fan of sherry wine, chicken broth works just as well, and it’s a great way to keep things on the lighter side.
Also, you can vary the cheeses if you’re feeling adventurous; maybe throw in some mozzarella or gouda for a twist. And if you’ve got fresh broccoli instead of frozen, go for it! Just be sure to blanch it first so it’s not too crunchy in the final dish.
Cooking is all about what you love, so make it your own. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect; it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right?
How to Make Low Carb Chicken Divan
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients for the Low Carb Chicken Divan, let’s plunge into the cooking process. Start by taking 1/4 cup of butter and melting it in a small saucepan over medium heat. This is where the magic begins.
Once that butter is melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of flour (or your favorite low carb thickener) until it’s all blended together. It may look a bit clumpy at first, but don’t worry; just keep stirring. Gradually pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream, followed by 1/2 cup of sherry wine (or chicken broth if you prefer), and a tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Cook this mixture while stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles, which usually takes about 5 minutes. You want it to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not so thick that it resembles pudding. Once you achieve that creamy consistency, stir in two cans of undiluted cream of chicken soup until it’s nice and smooth, then set it aside to cool a bit.
Next, grab a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish that’s calling your name. First, layer in those two packages of thawed and lightly chopped frozen broccoli. It’s like a green hug for your dish.
Then, sprinkle the chopped cauliflower on top, followed by half of that luscious sauce you just made. Now, it’s time for the star of the show—4 cups of cubed, cooked chicken. Make sure to season it with a little dried mustard, salt, and pepper for an extra kick.
Once the chicken is nestled in, pour the remaining sauce over it and give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. For the cheesy finish, fold in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the remaining sauce before drizzling it all over the top.
And don’t forget to melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and drizzle it over the casserole. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese evenly on top because more cheese is always better, right?
Now, it’s time to bake your masterpiece. Preheat your oven to 350°F and pop that casserole in, uncovered. Set a timer for 35 to 45 minutes, and get ready for the aroma that’s about to fill your kitchen.
You’ll know it’s done when it’s heated through and bubbly—golden and delicious! Just remember, if you can resist the urge to plunge in immediately, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
This dish is perfect for sharing, but let’s be honest, it’s also great for enjoying all by yourself. Just don’t judge your plate too harshly; this creamy, cheesy goodness is meant to be relished, not critiqued. Enjoy every bite!
Low Carb Chicken Divan Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to customize your Low Carb Chicken Divan, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to explore.
For a dairy-free option, I often use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. If you’re avoiding sherry, chicken broth works just as well.
You can swap the broccoli and cauliflower for other veggies like asparagus or zucchini. I’ve even added cooked mushrooms for extra flavor.
For the cheese, feel free to experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick.
Finally, if you want to up your protein, adding diced bacon or ham can take this dish to the next level!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your Low Carb Chicken Divan, remember that small adjustments can enhance the dish considerably. I like to add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of cayenne for an extra kick.
You can also experiment with different cheeses; a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack adds a fun twist.
If you have leftovers, try serving them over a bed of zoodles or cauliflower rice for a fresh meal.
Finally, don’t skip on letting it rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Enjoy exploring these tips to make your dish uniquely yours!