Chicken Divan with Broccoli and Cheddar
Poached chicken and tender broccoli in a lightly curried cheese sauce with a crunchy golden top.
Made with White bechamel sauce and Homemade chicken stock. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time55 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.56 a head
- Oven200°C (180°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Make the bechamel and chicken stock first (see the base recipes). Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- 2
Put the chicken in a pan with your ready made chicken stock. Cover and poach gently for 15 to 18 minutes until cooked through with no pink. Lift out and slice. Keep the stock for another use.
16 min 40 s - 3
Steam or boil the broccoli for 3 minutes, then drain well. It should still have a bite.
3 min - 4
Warm the bechamel and stir in the curry powder, lemon juice and half the cheddar until smooth.
- 5
Lay the broccoli in a baking dish, top with the chicken and pour over the sauce. Mix the breadcrumbs with the rest of the cheese and scatter on top, then dot with butter.
- 6
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
22 min 30 s
Tips
- Slightly undercook the broccoli as it keeps cooking in the oven.
- The curry powder is a classic Divan touch; use only a little so the sauce tastes warming, not hot.
- Leftover roast chicken works well; add 450 g and skip poaching.
Storing and freezing
Keeps up to 3 days in the fridge once cooled within 2 hours, or 2 months frozen. Reheat until steaming hot throughout.
Questions
Why is it called chicken divan?
It is named after the Divan Parisienne restaurant in New York, where the dish was served in the early 20th century.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Defrost and pat dry, and cook it for just 1 minute so it does not turn mushy in the oven.
Can I leave out the curry powder?
Yes. A pinch of mustard powder or paprika gives a different warmth.
More made with white bechamel sauce
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.