This updated version of the beloved Chicken Divan is the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Broccoli and Gruyere fill tender chicken breasts for a dish that’s as nutritious as it is indulgent, and a drizzle of creamy sherry Dijon sauce ties everything together.
Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or upgrade your weekday meal routine, this stuffed chicken dish is a flavorful showstopper. The sauce alone is worth savoring, and the fact that it’s made with lighter ingredients means you can enjoy every bite guilt-free.
Full Recipe:
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Cooking spray
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2 cups (4 ounces) fresh broccoli florets
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1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Gruyere cheese
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1 clove garlic, finely chopped
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4 (6 to 8-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast halves
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2 teaspoons olive oil
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2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 cup low-fat evaporated milk
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1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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1/4 cup dry sherry
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1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Directions:
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Preheat the broiler. Mist a flameproof baking dish with cooking spray.
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Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add broccoli; cook until crisp-tender (about 5 minutes). Drain, rinse under cold water, drain again, and pat dry.
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Chop the broccoli and combine with Gruyere and garlic.
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Cut a 3-inch pocket in each chicken breast and stuff with broccoli mixture.
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Rub chicken with olive oil and thyme; season with salt and pepper.
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Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken about 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to baking dish.
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In a small pot, bring evaporated milk and broth to simmer. In a bowl, whisk together sherry and cornstarch, then stir into sauce. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan.
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Top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of sauce. Broil 2–3 minutes until lightly browned.
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Let rest 5 minutes. Cut each breast on a diagonal.
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Stir Dijon mustard into remaining sauce. Spoon onto plates and top with chicken.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
A Modern Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish
Stuffed Chicken Divan with Sherry Dijon Sauce is a sophisticated spin on a beloved American classic, Chicken Divan. Traditionally a creamy chicken and broccoli casserole baked with cheese, this modern interpretation takes all the richness and flavor of the original and folds it into a more elegant, plated presentation that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.
The term “Divan” historically refers to the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York, where the original dish gained popularity in the 1950s. The restaurant served it as a refined chicken-and-broccoli gratin, often using a Mornay sauce (a béchamel with cheese) as the creamy base. In this updated version, the components of the dish—tender chicken breast, bright broccoli, rich cheese, and luxurious sauce—are reimagined through the technique of stuffing and pan-searing.
What sets this stuffed variation apart is its structure and presentation. Instead of layering everything into a casserole dish, each chicken breast is transformed into its own self-contained flavor package. This results in a more composed and polished plate that still satisfies the same nostalgic craving for creaminess and warmth.
Flavor Profile and Culinary Appeal
This recipe is an example of smart flavor engineering. Broccoli adds freshness and texture, Gruyere cheese offers nutty depth, and garlic lends aromatic warmth. When enclosed inside juicy, pan-seared chicken breast, the filling becomes a delightful surprise—melting slightly but retaining its bite.
But the real star of the dish is the Sherry Dijon sauce. Made with a blend of low-fat evaporated milk, chicken broth, dry sherry, and a touch of cornstarch, the sauce offers a silky richness without the need for heavy cream. It gets a final flavor boost from Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese, providing both tang and umami. This sauce is spooned generously over the chicken, broiled briefly for a golden finish, and then emulsified with mustard for an extra hit of brightness just before serving.
What’s impressive is how the sauce delivers gourmet depth while keeping things on the lighter side. The dry sherry adds subtle sweetness and complexity, while the Dijon cuts through the richness. Altogether, the flavor profile is balanced: savory, slightly sharp, creamy, and herbaceous with a faint sweetness from the sherry.
Healthier Without Compromise
One of the most notable aspects of this dish is how it achieves indulgence without excess. The original Chicken Divan was often laden with butter, cream, and processed cheese—delicious, yes, but not particularly light. In contrast, this version cuts down on fat and calories by smart ingredient substitutions and better portion control.
Using low-fat evaporated milk and reduced-fat cheese still delivers a velvety sauce, but with significantly less guilt. The Gruyere cheese used in the filling is potent in flavor, so only a small amount is needed. By stuffing the chicken, rather than mixing everything together, each portion feels satisfying without requiring massive quantities of cheese or sauce.
Additionally, this method avoids the need for breadcrumbs or flour-heavy sauces, making it a naturally gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. The result is a dish that feels elevated and indulgent, but remains accessible and wholesome.
Technique Highlights: Stuffing and Searing
Stuffed chicken may sound like a restaurant-only technique, but it’s surprisingly easy to master at home. By cutting a pocket into the thickest part of the chicken breast, you create space to hold a flavorful filling. This method not only adds excitement to the dish but also helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.
The searing process is also critical. A hot, nonstick skillet is used to develop a golden-brown crust on the outside of the chicken, locking in juices and adding caramelized flavor. This step ensures that the chicken stays tender on the inside while getting a beautiful, appetizing exterior.
After searing, the chicken is transferred to a broiler-safe dish and topped with the creamy sherry sauce. A quick broil gives the top a golden-browned finish without drying it out. The final touch—slicing the chicken on a diagonal and plating it over a base of sauce—transforms this into a dish worthy of a fine dining table.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly
Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe can be broken down into parts and prepped ahead of time, making it incredibly convenient. The broccoli mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Chicken breasts can be stuffed and seasoned earlier in the day or even frozen for future use.
The sauce itself also keeps well, and can be gently reheated on the stovetop. Simply hold off on the final Dijon addition until you’re ready to serve, so the mustard’s bite remains fresh and assertive.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or planning a special occasion, the make-ahead potential of this dish makes it a practical yet elegant choice.
Perfect Pairings and Side Suggestions
Pairing this dish with complementary sides enhances the dining experience even more. Since the chicken and sauce are rich and creamy, something light and fresh works best on the side.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette, lemony asparagus, or roasted baby carrots all make excellent companions. If you’re looking for something heartier, a serving of herbed rice or garlic mashed potatoes would soak up that velvety sauce beautifully. For a low-carb option, cauliflower mash or spiralized zucchini noodles would work just as well.
As for wine pairings, a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a dry Riesling pairs beautifully with the dish’s creamy and slightly sweet elements. If you prefer red, go with a light Pinot Noir that won’t overpower the subtle flavors.
Who Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for a wide range of cooks and eaters. If you’re someone who loves comfort food but also values presentation, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone trying to reduce their intake of heavy fats without compromising on flavor.
Families will appreciate the kid-friendly ingredients (who doesn’t love cheesy chicken?), while foodies will respect the layered flavors and elevated technique. And because it’s naturally gluten-free and lower in calories, it works well for those following specific dietary lifestyles.
A Delicious Evolution of Tradition
Stuffed Chicken Divan with Sherry Dijon Sauce exemplifies how traditional recipes can evolve to meet modern tastes and nutritional awareness. While rooted in nostalgic comfort, this version offers refinement, better balance, and versatility. It’s proof that healthy cooking doesn’t have to be boring and that indulgence can still be achieved with smarter choices.
The use of fresh, simple ingredients combined with solid culinary technique turns what could have been an ordinary chicken dinner into something truly memorable. From the golden-seared exterior to the gooey filling and velvety sauce, every bite is packed with intention and care.
Conclusion: Why This Dish Deserves a Spot on Your Table
In the ever-expanding world of chicken recipes, it can be hard to find something that stands out both in flavor and presentation. This Stuffed Chicken Divan with Sherry Dijon Sauce earns its place not just for its taste, but for its clever reinvention of a classic.
It’s elegant enough to serve to guests, simple enough for a Tuesday night, and flexible enough to adapt to your needs. The thoughtful balance of flavor and health-conscious choices makes it a staple worth repeating.
So the next time you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and just a little bit fancy, skip the casserole and give this updated version a try. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.