Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Classic Broccoli Chicken Divan, a creamy, cheesy casserole that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. Featuring tender chicken and vibrant broccoli florets bathed in a rich, homemade cheese sauce, and crowned with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing family meal. It's a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that promises warmth and culinary delight in every spoonful.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any table.
- Simple preparation with deeply satisfying, rich flavors.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal.
- Combines tender protein and healthy vegetables in one delicious dish.
- The golden, crispy breadcrumb topping adds an irresistible textural contrast.
Ingredients
- 400 grams (14 ounces) cooked chicken, cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 250 grams (2 cups) fresh broccoli florets, blanched or steamed until tender-crisp
- 30 grams (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 15 grams (2 tablespoons) all-purpose flour
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) low-sodium chicken broth
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) whole milk (or 2% milk)
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt
- 1.25 grams (1/4 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 60 grams (1/2 cup) Panko bread crumbs (for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) to ensure even cooking with a beautifully bubbly, golden finish and to allow the casserole to heat through perfectly.
- Lightly grease a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make for effortless serving and cleanup.
- Arrange the cubed cooked chicken and blanched or steamed broccoli florets evenly in the prepared baking dish. Distribute them well so each serving gets a good mix of both.
- Prepare the creamy cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the 30 grams (2 tablespoons) of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the 15 grams (2 tablespoons) of all-purpose flour to form a smooth roux. Cook this roux for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the 240 milliliters (1 cup) of chicken broth and then the 240 milliliters (1 cup) of milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) of salt, 1.25 grams (1/4 teaspoon) of freshly ground black pepper, and the 100 grams (1/2 cup) of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce.
- Sprinkle the 60 grams (1/2 cup) of Panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. This creates a delightful golden, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the sauce is visibly bubbly around the edges and the bread crumbs have achieved a rich, golden brown color.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making for cleaner portions and preventing it from being too runny when served. Portion and serve warm for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Large spoon or spatula
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your broccoli is tender-crisp before adding to the casserole; overcooked broccoli will become mushy during baking.
- When making the roux, cook it for at least one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, which can otherwise make your sauce gritty.
- Gradually add the liquids to the roux while whisking vigorously to create a perfectly smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly and contributes to a creamier sauce.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set and prevents it from being too runny when serving.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To elevate the flavor of your divan, consider infusing the milk with aromatics like a bay leaf or a slice of onion while gently warming it, then strain before adding to the roux. This adds a subtle layer of complexity to the cheese sauce.
- For an extra decadent touch, mix a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the cheese sauce before adding the cheese. It brightens the flavor and enhances the savoriness of the cheddar without making the dish taste like mustard.
- Transform your breadcrumbs: toss them with a drizzle of melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder before sprinkling on top. This ensures an even crispier, more flavorful crust.
Notes
- This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven.
- For a gluten-free variation, use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry before adding it to the baking dish. You may also want to steam it briefly to ensure it's tender-crisp.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator for 30 minutes to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed, potentially adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if still cold.
What can I serve with Broccoli Chicken Divan?
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, a side of roasted asparagus, or a scoop of fluffy white rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per serving (1/6 of casserole): Calories: 450, Protein: 35g, Fat: 28g, Carbs: 15g, Fiber: 3g, Sodium: 650mg.
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (butter, milk, cheese) and gluten (flour, bread crumbs). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Check chicken broth for allergens if store-bought.
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