Way, way back when in the before times my colleague and I used to organize office potluck lunches. It was always fun gathering with colleagues you rarely had time to see in the business of office living and enjoying one another culinary creations. Of course potlucks were a challenge for people like me who lived far outside the city and had to drive, walk, train, walk, subway, and walk to the office. Try doing that with a crock pot full of chili once and you'll race to sign up for buns and butter the next time!
Anyways.
Often we'd pick a theme (although word to the wise - don't try an orange and black theme for Hallowe'en or you'll get a lot of burnt offerings). No matter what the theme one of our colleagues always showed up with a giant roasting pan of Chicken Divan casserole. This was a revelation for me. I am not sure how I made it through the 70's and 80's without ever having tried this classic casserole but somehow I had.
Happily she shared the recipe and now I can make it whenever I want!
Of course, I rarely remember to do so.
The other week I had a craving so this went on the menu. It was every bit as good as I remembered. This is your classic dump, mix, dump and baker casserole. One bowl, a casserole dish, a spoon, and a spatula. I know there are those who turn up their noses and sniff at the thought of using a can of soup. Whatever. If you are so inclined made a bechamel sauce with half chicken broth and half milk, add in some cheddar cheese. Go crazy. I dumped in a can of soup. :-)
Sometimes you just need to go with easy, quick, and delicious.
Enjoy!
Chicken Divan Casserole
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/2 cup mayonnaise
cup grated cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 cup bread crumbs (note, you can also use crushed Ritz crackers)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350°. Steam the broccoli florets in the microwave until crisp-tender; drain. Place in a greased 11x7-in. baking dish; set aside.
Combine the chicken, soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, cheese and curry powder; spoon over broccoli. Top with bread crumbs and butter. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 25-30 minutes.
Serve over buttered noodles or rice.
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