Chicken Divan is a popular dish among chicken lovers. It is a casserole that consists of chicken, broccoli, and Mornay sauce. Its name often raises the question, “What does Divan mean in Chicken Divan?” So here we are to explore the history of this delicious chicken dish and the origin story of its name.
The History of Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan was invented in the early twentieth century at the Divan Parisien restaurant at Chatham Hotel in New York City. The dish was so loved by customers that the restaurant made it their signature dish. The dish quickly became popular in the city and later throughout the United States.
Chicken Divan is listed in the International and American Cookeries book published by the Women’s Club of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1905. The recipe was recorded under the name “Chicken and Broccoli Cutlets,” and it did not have the Mornay sauce that is essential in Chicken Divan.
However, the dish did not become famous until years later when it was introduced as the signature dish of the Divan Parisien restaurant. The dish became so popular that it was featured in The New York Times in 1953, after which it became a staple in many households.
The Origin of the Name
There are many theories about the origin of the name Chicken Divan. Some say that the word Divan was used to describe a gathering of nobles or learned people in ancient Persia. Others believe that Divan was a reference to a sofa or couch, reflecting the comfort of the dish.
The term Divan also refers to a type of furniture with a long seat or bench, and it may have been used to describe the way the dish was arranged in a casserole dish, reflecting the shape of the furniture.
Regardless of the origin of the name, there is no argument about the delicious taste and popularity of this classic chicken dish.
The Recipe for Chicken Divan
Making Chicken Divan is quite simple. Here is the recipe for you to try at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 large heads of broccoli, chopped into florets
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish.
- Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 3 minutes and drain them.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add flour to the melted butter and whisk for 1-2 minutes until it is lightly browned.
- Add chicken broth, whisk the mixture, and cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue heating the sauce until the cheese is melted.
- Add the cooked and shredded chicken to the sauce and stir thoroughly.
- Place the cooked broccoli florets in the casserole dish.
- Pour the chicken sauce over the top of the broccoli and spread evenly.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the sauce.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicken Divan is a classic dish named after the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City, where it was once the signature dish. Although the origin of the name is not entirely clear, it has become a household name over the years. The recipe is not complicated, and it is a dish that anyone can prepare at home. Be sure to try it out for your next family dinner or gathering!
FAQ
Where does the name Chicken Divan come from?
Chicken Divan is a delicious and popular dish that many people enjoy, but have you ever wondered where its name came from? According to historical accounts, the dish was actually named after the famous Divan Parisien Restaurant located in New York City’s Chatham Hotel.
The Divan Parisien Restaurant was established in the early 1900s and quickly became a popular dining destination for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant was known for its elegant decor, exceptional service, and signature dishes, which included a creamy, cheesy casserole made with chicken and broccoli.
The origins of the Chicken Divan dish are not entirely clear, but it is believed that it was invented by the chef of the Divan Parisien restaurant, who was looking for a new way to serve chicken to his patrons. It is said that the dish was originally made with sliced chicken breast, broccoli, and a creamy white sauce that was flavored with sherry and Parmesan cheese.
As the dish gained popularity, it became a staple menu item at the Divan Parisien Restaurant, and the restaurant’s patrons soon started asking for the recipe. The restaurant was happy to oblige, and the Chicken Divan dish quickly spread across the country, becoming a favorite at dinner parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Today, the Chicken Divan dish has many variations, but the original recipe remains a beloved classic. It is typically made with cooked chicken, broccoli, a creamy sauce, and topped with breadcrumbs and grated cheese. It’s a comforting and delicious dish that continues to delight diners all over the world.
The name “Chicken Divan” came from the Divan Parisien restaurant, where the dish was first created and served as a signature menu item. Over time, the dish grew in popularity and became a classic favorite that is enjoyed by many to this day.
How many calories are in chicken divan?
Chicken Divan is a popular and classic casserole dish that is usually made with a combination of chicken, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is loved by many, and it is also known for being relatively high in calories.
If you’re wondering how many calories are in a serving of Chicken Divan, it will depend on the specific recipe you use. However, on average, a serving of Chicken Divan (which is typically about one cup) contains around 321 calories.
This calorie count comes from the various ingredients that are used to make the dish. Chicken is a relatively lean protein source, but it still adds calories to the mix. Additionally, most Chicken Divan recipes call for a significant amount of heavy cream, cheese, and butter, all of which contribute to the calorie count.
In terms of macronutrients, a serving of Chicken Divan typically contains around 13.8g of fat, 8.5g of total carbs, and 5.4g of net carbs. The dish is also high in protein, with an average of about 40.3g per serving.
It’s worth noting that the exact nutritional information for Chicken Divan will vary based on the specific recipe you use. For example, some recipes may use more cheese or cream than others, which will impact the calorie count and macronutrient profile. If you are concerned about the calories in Chicken Divan, you may want to look for a recipe that utilizes lighter ingredients or smaller portions.
How did they come up with the name chicken?
The word “chicken” has a long and interesting history. The origins of the word can be traced back to Old English, where the word was spelled “ciccen.” This Old English word was formed through a combination of two different words: “cicc,” which meant “young bird” and “en,” which was a suffix that denoted the plural.
The word “ciccen” was first recorded in the Oxford English Dictionary in the 14th century. At that time, it referred only to a young bird or chick, and not to the adult bird we know as a chicken. In fact, it wasn’t until the 16th century that the word “chicken” began to be used to describe the adult bird. Before that time, the word “fowl” was more commonly used to refer to chickens and other birds raised for meat.
So how did the word “chicken” come to replace “fowl” as the word to describe adult chickens? The answer lies in the evolution of the English language over the centuries. Over time, the Old English “ciccen” gradually evolved into the Middle English “chiken,” and finally into the modern English “chicken.” This transformation was gradual and took place over several centuries.
The change in the word’s meaning can likely be linked to changes in the way that chickens were raised and consumed. As chicken meat became more popular and more widely available, it needed a name that was more specific and descriptive than “fowl.” The word “chicken” became the go-to term for this popular meat, and it has remained so ever since.
The word “chicken” can be traced back to the Old English word “ciccen,” which originally referred to young birds or chicks. Over time, the word evolved to include adult chickens as well, and came to replace the more general term “fowl” as the go-to word for describing chickens raised for meat. The origins of this word are a fascinating reminder of the long and complex history of the English language.
