original chicken divan recipe
The Best original chicken divan recipe
My kids love it because it’s easy to customize—add some veggies if they’re picky eaters, or let them dip their chicken in their favorite sauce. It’s also surprisingly healthy for what it is. The dish relies on whole ingredients, and the way it’s prepared keeps things light without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to stretch a single chicken into a meal for four or five people, making it perfect for meal prep too. I’ve made it for Sunday dinners, potlucks, and even just a quick weeknight fix, and it never fails to be a crowd-pleaser.
Classic Chicken Divan with Creamy Tomato Sauce
A comforting, layered chicken dish with flaky pastry, tender chicken, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy meal with family or friends.
🥘Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp ice water
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Season chicken breasts with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove and set aside. -
2
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in egg and ice water until a dough forms. Chill for 15 minutes. -
3
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a baking dish and press gently to fit. Place chicken breasts on top, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll dough over the chicken to cover completely. -
4
Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, brush the top with tomato sauce, and return to oven for 10 more minutes until golden. -
5
While the chicken divan bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add tomato sauce and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. -
6
Once the chicken divan is golden and cooked through, pour the sauce over the top. Return to oven for 2–3 minutes to melt the sauce slightly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Whisk
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Classic Chicken Divan with Creamy Tomato Sauce Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Divan with Creamy Tomato Sauce
What is the best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without overcooking?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken. Remove it from the pan just before it reaches this temp to avoid drying out.
Can I substitute a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs will stay juicier, but adjust cooking time to 15–20 minutes instead of 12–15 minutes for breasts.
Why does the chicken divan sometimes turn out dry?
Overcooking is the most common issue. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven, then slice before serving. If the pan drippings are too dry, add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze.
What if I don’t have a baking dish with a lid?
Skip the lid if needed, but cover the dish loosely with foil to trap steam. Alternatively, bake in a 9×13-inch baking pan with the chicken on top of a layer of sauce for extra moisture.
