What is Chicken Divan?

Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish consisting of cooked chicken and broccoli florets baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, often topped with breadcrumbs. It's known for its comforting and family-friendly appeal.

Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken divan recipe in advance! Assemble the casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) in your baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the breadcrumbs just before baking, and you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.

What can I serve with Chicken Divan?

Chicken Divan is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with sides like fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or a light green salad to balance the richness. Roasted asparagus or other simple roasted vegetables also make great accompaniments.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this chicken divan recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this chicken divan recipe. Be sure to thaw it completely before using and pat it very dry with paper towels. This prevents excess moisture from making your casserole watery. There's no need to blanch frozen broccoli.

Chicken Divan Recipe: 7 Steps to the Best Creamy Comfort

Name: Classic Chicken Divan
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 2 heads fresh broccoli, cut into florets (about 6 cups); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss); 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 heads fresh broccoli, cut into florets (about 6 cups)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Blanch broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately drain and plunge into an ice bath; drain thoroughly and pat very dry. Arrange broccoli evenly in the baking dish.
Step 3: Distribute the cooked, shredded chicken evenly over the broccoli.
Step 4: In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
Step 5: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth. Continue to cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 6: Remove from heat. Stir in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 7: Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 8: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish.
Step 9: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Step 11: Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious chicken divan recipe!

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese. This casserole can be assembled ahead of time (without the breadcrumbs) and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Add breadcrumbs just before baking. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner Dishes
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
Calories: 580 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: chicken divan, chicken casserole, broccoli chicken bake, creamy chicken recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy chicken, family dinner, chicken and broccoli casserole, divan recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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