Chicken Divan is still a favorite, decades after it became popular across the United States.

You may be shocked that Chicken Divan doesn’t have roots down South.

This signature 1950s classic originated in New York’s Divan Parisienne Restaurant in Hotel Chatham in New York City.

Southern Living Chicken Divan in the baking dish ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Our version of Chicken Divan falls somewhere in the middlethe perfect blend of easy and company-worthy.

Like many modern Chicken Divan recipes, ours uses Parmesan cheese in the sauce (and extra on top!

), but you’re able to sub Cheddar if you’d like.

Southern Living Chicken Divan greasing the baking dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This 1950s dinner party favorite still holds up today.

packages frozen broccoli spears

3cupschopped cooked chicken (about 1 lb.)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 450F.

Southern Living Chicken Divan ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Lightly grease an 11- x 7-inch or 2.5-quart baking dish.

Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; whisk in flour.

Gradually add milk, and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened.

Southern Living Chicken Divan making the roux

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Stir in sherry and next 3 ingredients.

Fold in whipped cream.

Microwave broccoli according to package directions; drain.

Southern Living Chicken Divan finishing the sauce for the casserole

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Arrange in prepared baking dish.

Cover with chopped chicken.

Pour sauce over chicken, and sprinkle with additional cheese, if desired.

Southern Living Chicken Divan layering the broccoli in the baking dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bake at 450F for 10 to 12 minutes or until bubbly and browned.

Southern Living Chicken Divan adding the chopped chicken to the baking dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Chicken Divan pouring the sauce over the chicken

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Chicken Divan baking until bubbly and browned

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox