Chicken & Rice Divan is a quintessential Southern comfort dish designed for efficiency and flavor. It combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce that bakes into a cohesive, hearty meal.
This recipe is a reliable solution for busy weeknights, offering a balanced combination of protein, starch, and vegetables in a single baking dish. It is a practical, no-fuss dinner that delivers consistent results, making it a dependable choice for feeding a family quickly without sacrificing the depth of flavor associated with traditional home cooking. It remains a staple in kitchens across the South precisely because it is functional, nourishing, and easily assembled.
Chicken & Rice Divan
Description
Brimming with flavor and soul, this classic dish is the perfect way to bring a little bit of the South to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
Instructions
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Cook broccoli, drain well, and spread in an even layer across the bottom of a buttered 13x9 inch baking dish.
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Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the cooked broccoli base.
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Layer the cooked, chopped chicken over the cheese and season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add the layer of cooked rice over the chicken.
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Prepare the sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking in the flour, and gradually stirring in the milk until thickened.
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Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and sour cream until smooth.
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Pour the prepared sauce thoroughly over the rice, chicken, and broccoli, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
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Top the dish with the remaining shredded cheese.
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Bake at 400 degrees until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the casserole is bubbling throughout.
