Recipe

Ligurian Style Chicken Divan

Pesto-infused Chicken Divan with Ligurian Flair

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Ligurian cuisine with this delightful twist on the classic American dish, Chicken Divan. This Ligurian Style Chicken Divan combines tender chicken, vibrant Ligurian pesto, and creamy béchamel sauce for a mouthwatering culinary experience.

Meat Dish› Poultry Dish› Chicken Dish› Chicken Divan

Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine› Ligurian cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

25-30 minutes

Total time

40-45 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Mediterranean diet, Gluten-free diet, Low-carb diet, Keto diet, Pescatarian diet

Allergens

Milk, Tree nuts (pine nuts), Dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Not suitable for

Vegan diet, Vegetarian diet, Dairy-free diet, Nut-free diet, Paleo diet

Ingredients

In this Ligurian adaptation of Chicken Divan, the traditional American flavors are replaced with Ligurian elements. The original dish typically includes ingredients like mayonnaise and cheddar cheese, which are substituted with Ligurian pesto and béchamel sauce. The Ligurian version also incorporates the use of fresh basil, pine nuts, and extra virgin olive oil, which are characteristic of Ligurian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Chicken Divan, so you can check it out.

4 chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1 lb) 4 chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1 lb)
Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup (240ml) Ligurian pesto 1 cup (240ml) Ligurian pesto
1 cup (240ml) béchamel sauce 1 cup (240ml) béchamel sauce
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 6g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 1g
Protein: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish.
4.
Spread the Ligurian pesto evenly over the chicken breasts.
5.
Pour the béchamel sauce over the pesto-covered chicken.
6.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
7.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
8.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Ligurian pesto — For a more intense flavor, toast the pine nuts before blending them with the other ingredients.
Béchamel sauce — Whisk the sauce continuously while cooking to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.

Tips & Tricks

If you prefer a more pronounced basil flavor, add a handful of fresh basil leaves to the pesto before blending.
Serve the Ligurian Style Chicken Divan with a side of Ligurian focaccia bread to complete the Ligurian experience.
Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result.
For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before baking.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the Ligurian Style Chicken Divan hot, accompanied by a side of Ligurian focaccia bread and a fresh green salad. The vibrant colors and flavors of the dish make it an impressive centerpiece for any dinner table.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Ligurian Style Chicken Divan on a platter, allowing the golden-brown chicken to be the focal point. Drizzle any remaining pesto and béchamel sauce over the chicken for an enticing presentation. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color.