Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe

There’s a special category of dishes in my recipe box reserved for ultimate comfort food, the kind that wraps you in a warm, cheesy hug on a chilly evening. Broccoli Chicken Divan sits proudly at the top of that list. I remember my mom making a version of this when I was growing up – the creamy sauce blanketing tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, all crowned with a buttery, crunchy topping. It was pure magic. When I started cooking for my own family, I knew I had to recreate that feeling. My updated version, focusing on a flavourful from-scratch sauce rather than condensed soup, quickly became a household favourite. Seeing my kids eagerly devour their servings, broccoli and all, is always a win! It’s the perfect dish for a cozy Sunday dinner, a reliable potluck contribution, or just a satisfying weeknight meal that feels a little special without being overly complicated. It transforms simple ingredients into something truly decadent and heartwarming, and I’m thrilled to share how you can bring this classic comfort casserole to your table.

Ingredients

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a quintessential American casserole, celebrated for its harmonious blend of textures and flavours. The core components include tender cooked chicken and vibrant broccoli florets. These are enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce – traditionally a Mornay sauce (Béchamel with cheese) or often simplified in home kitchens with condensed soups, though we’ll focus on a flavourful from-scratch cheese sauce here. Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic choice for flavour and meltability, often complemented by Parmesan for nutty depth. Subtle seasonings like Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or a hint of lemon juice elevate the sauce beyond basic creaminess. Finally, a buttery, crunchy topping, usually made from breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, provides essential textural contrast to the creamy interior. Quality ingredients, especially the cheese and broccoli, make a significant difference in the final dish.

For the Casserole Base:

• 4 cups Broccoli Florets, fresh or frozen (about 1 large head or a 16 oz bag)
• 3 cups Cooked Chicken, diced or shredded (about 1.5 lbs raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or meat from 1 rotisserie chicken)

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 cups Whole Milk (or use 1 cup milk and 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth for lighter flavor)
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (optional, for extra richness – can substitute with more milk)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
• Pinch of Nutmeg (optional, classic in Béchamel)
• Salt, to taste (start with 1/2 tsp, adjust based on cheese/broth saltiness)
• Black Pepper, to taste (start with 1/4 tsp)
• 1.5 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (about 6 oz), divided
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided

For the Crunchy Topping:

• 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (or crushed butter crackers like Ritz, or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, melted
• Remaining Grated Parmesan Cheese (approx. 2 tablespoons)

Equipment:

• 9×13 inch Baking Dish (or similar 2.5-3 quart casserole dish)
• Large Saucepan (for sauce)
• Whisk
• Pot (for cooking broccoli)
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Instructions

This recipe involves preparing the broccoli and chicken, making a creamy cheese sauce from scratch, assembling the casserole, adding a crunchy topping, and baking until golden and bubbly.

Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Broccoli

• Chicken: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, cook approximately 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can poach, bake, or grill them until cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature). Let cool slightly, then dice into bite-sized pieces or shred. Using meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver. Set aside 3 cups of cooked chicken.
• Broccoli: Prepare the broccoli florets. If using fresh, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook the broccoli until crisp-tender. You can steam it for 3-5 minutes or blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking and retain bright green color. Drain thoroughly. If using frozen broccoli, cook according to package directions, but slightly undercook it so it doesn’t get mushy in the casserole. Ensure the cooked broccoli is very well-drained to prevent a watery casserole. Pat it dry with paper towels if necessary.
• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• In a large saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Once melted, whisk in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth paste (roux) and cook out the raw flour taste. Don’t let it brown significantly.
• Gradually pour in the milk (and chicken broth, if using), whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue pouring slowly while whisking until all the liquid is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
• Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking often. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, continuing to whisk, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream (if using), Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional nutmeg. Season with your starting amounts of salt and pepper.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually stir in about 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and about half of the grated Parmesan cheese (approx. 2 tablespoons). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, Dijon) as needed. Remember the chicken and broccoli will absorb some flavour.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

• Arrange the well-drained, crisp-tender broccoli florets in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Scatter the diced or shredded cooked chicken evenly over the broccoli layer.
• Pour the prepared creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring everything is well coated. You can gently nudge ingredients with a spoon to help the sauce seep down.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Topping

• In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers), the melted tablespoon of unsalted butter, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss together until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer on top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Place the baking dish in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crisp. If the topping browns too quickly before the casserole is heated through, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

• Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing scalding hot bites.
• Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Broccoli Chicken Divan!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per serving (estimated): 450-650 kcal

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate only, calculated using standard databases. Actual values will vary significantly based on factors such as the type of chicken used (breast vs. thigh), the fat content of dairy products (milk, cream, cheese, butter), the specific brand of ingredients, and final serving size.

Preparation Time

• Active Preparation Time: Approximately 25 minutes (assuming chicken is pre-cooked; includes cooking broccoli, making sauce, assembling)
• Chicken Cooking Time (if needed): 20-30 minutes + cooling time
• Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
• Resting Time: 5-10 minutes
• Total Time (with pre-cooked chicken): Approximately 55-65 minutes
• Total Time (cooking chicken from raw): Approximately 1.5 – 1.75 hours (including cooking, cooling, prep, baking, resting)

How to Serve

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a rich and satisfying casserole that shines as a main course. Here are some excellent ways to serve it:

• Main Course Star: Serve generous portions directly from the baking dish. It’s a complete meal in itself for many.
• Over Rice: Serve scoops over fluffy white or brown rice. The rice is perfect for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.
• With Noodles: Broad egg noodles are another classic pairing. Cook the noodles separately and serve the casserole alongside or spooned over the top.
• Alongside Potatoes: Mashed potatoes or simple roasted potatoes complement the creamy casserole beautifully.
• With Bread: Offer warm, crusty bread, soft dinner rolls, or garlic bread on the side for dipping into the sauce.
• Balanced with Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette (like lemon or balsamic) provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Divan. Avoid creamy dressings.
• Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or paprika over the top just before serving adds a touch of colour and freshness.

Additional Tips

Elevate your Broccoli Chicken Divan with these five pro tips:

1. Broccoli Perfection is Key: Avoid mushy broccoli! The goal is crisp-tender florets that hold their shape and offer a slight bite. Steam or blanch fresh broccoli only until bright green and barely tender (2-3 minutes in boiling water, followed by an ice bath). If using frozen, slightly undercook it compared to package directions. Crucially, drain the broccoli extremely well after cooking and pat it dry. Excess water is the enemy of a thick, creamy sauce and can lead to a watery casserole.
2. Enhance Your Sauce: While the recipe provides a delicious base, don’t be afraid to customize the sauce. Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry to the saucepan after making the roux and let it bubble for a minute before adding milk for extra depth. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add subtle warmth. Vary the cheeses – Gruyère, Swiss, or Fontina melt beautifully and add different flavour notes alongside or instead of cheddar. Ensure you taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, Dijon) before pouring it over the chicken and broccoli.
3. Textural Contrast with the Topping: The crunchy topping is essential for balancing the creamy interior. Panko breadcrumbs offer superior crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs. Crushed butter crackers (like Ritz) provide a rich, buttery crunch. You can also add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the topping mixture for extra texture and flavour. Tossing the crumbs thoroughly with melted butter ensures even browning and crisping.
4. Chicken Shortcuts & Considerations: Using leftover cooked chicken or meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavour. If cooking chicken specifically for the dish, thighs generally remain more moist and flavourful in casseroles than breasts, but both work well. Ensure chicken is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even distribution and easy eating.
5. Make-Ahead Strategy: You can assemble the entire casserole (without the topping) up to 1 day ahead. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. Prepare the buttery breadcrumb topping just before baking (adding it ahead can make it soggy) and sprinkle it over. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since the casserole is starting cold. This makes it great for busy weeknights or entertaining.

FAQ Section

Q1: What is Chicken Divan, and where does the name come from?
A: Chicken Divan is a classic American chicken casserole typically featuring broccoli and a creamy Mornay-style sauce (Béchamel with cheese). Its origins are generally traced back to the Divan Parisien Restaurant at the Chatham Hotel in New York City in the early 20th century, where it was a signature dish. The word “Divan” itself often refers to a meeting place or council chamber in Middle Eastern cultures, and historically, luxurious restaurants or smoking rooms sometimes adopted the name. The dish became widely popular across the US, evolving with various shortcuts like using condensed soups in home kitchens.

Q2: Can I make Broccoli Chicken Divan ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely. You can fully assemble the casserole (layer broccoli, chicken, and sauce) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes prior to baking to take the chill off. Prepare and add the breadcrumb topping just before putting it in the oven (to keep it crunchy). You might need to extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes compared to baking it fresh.

Q3: Can I freeze Broccoli Chicken Divan?
A: Yes, you can freeze Chicken Divan, though creamy sauces can sometimes separate slightly upon thawing, and the broccoli’s texture might soften further. For best results:
* Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the casserole completely without the topping in a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, add the fresh topping, and bake as directed (may need longer baking time).
* Freeze After Baking: Let the baked casserole cool completely. Cover tightly as above or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through (30+ minutes), removing the cover for the last 10 minutes. You can refresh the topping under the broiler briefly if needed.

Q4: How can I make a lighter or healthier version of this recipe?
A: You can easily lighten Broccoli Chicken Divan:
* Sauce Base: Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk. Replace heavy cream with more milk or use evaporated skim milk. Use low-sodium chicken broth for part of the liquid.
* Cheese: Use reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, and be mindful of the amount. Parmesan adds lots of flavour for fewer calories than cheddar.
* Butter: Reduce the butter slightly in the roux and topping (though this impacts richness and browning).
* Chicken: Use only lean chicken breast.
* Topping: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs and reduce the amount of butter used, or skip the buttery topping altogether and just use a sprinkle of Parmesan.
* Bulk Up Veggies: Increase the amount of broccoli or add other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots.

Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, Broccoli Chicken Divan can be adapted to be gluten-free:
* Flour Substitute: Replace the all-purpose flour in the roux with an equal amount of a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one containing xanthan gum usually works best for thickening sauces) or use cornstarch (mix about 2-3 tbsp cornstarch with a little cold milk/broth to make a slurry, then whisk into the hot liquids instead of making a roux). Sweet rice flour also works well for thickening sauces.
* Breadcrumbs: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
* Worcestershire Sauce: Ensure your brand of Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (some traditional brands contain malt vinegar derived from barley). French’s and Lea & Perrins (in the US) are typically gluten-free, but always check labels.
* Other Ingredients: Double-check that your chicken broth and any seasonings are certified gluten-free. Chicken, broccoli, dairy, and cheese are naturally gluten-free.

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