Chicken Divan: A Creamy, Elegant, and Surprisingly Easy Recipe
Chicken Divan is a classic dish known for its creamy, dreamy sauce and delicate flavors. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe focuses on optimizing the flavors and ensuring a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Let's get cooking!
What is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is a casserole-style dish featuring tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce (often a cheese sauce), and broccoli florets. The combination of savory chicken, subtly sweet broccoli, and a luscious sauce creates a truly satisfying meal. Variations exist, sometimes including other vegetables or additions like almonds or breadcrumbs for added texture. This recipe focuses on a classic preparation, highlighting the fundamental flavors.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (roasting, boiling, or using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well)
- Broccoli: 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- Cheese Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, but adds a wonderful depth of flavor)
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (for topping)
- Butter (for topping): 2 tablespoons (melted)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes). Don't overcook; you want them to retain some bite. Drain well.
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Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low and stir in the salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and Gruyere cheese (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Assemble the Chicken Divan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, combine the shredded chicken and cooked broccoli. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring everything is coated.
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Bake and Finish: Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the Chicken Divan rest for a few minutes before serving. It's delicious served hot, as a comforting and elegant meal.
Tips for the Best Chicken Divan:
- Don't overcook the broccoli: Maintain that beautiful green color and a little bit of a crisp-tender texture.
- Use high-quality cheese: The cheese is the star of the sauce, so choose a sharp cheddar and Gruyere (if using) that you enjoy.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Add other vegetables like peas or carrots. A sprinkle of toasted almonds adds a nice crunch.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake just before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Chicken Divan with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.
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