Description
Creamy Broccoli Chicken Divan brings classic comfort to dinner tables with its rich cheesy sauce and tender ingredients. Layers of succulent chicken and garden-fresh broccoli create a satisfying meal that welcomes hungry diners to savor each delicious forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken, cubed
Vegetables:
- 2 cups (480 ml) broccoli florets
Sauce and Topping Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter.
- Arrange cooked, chopped chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer fresh broccoli florets on top of the chicken, ensuring a uniform distribution.
- Create a creamy sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking in flour to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly incorporate chicken broth and whole milk into the roux, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
- Continue cooking the sauce until it thickens and reaches a gentle boil, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and ground black pepper until the cheese melts completely.
- Pour the rich, creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring full coverage.
- Sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs across the top of the dish for a crispy, golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the surface turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce set and enhance flavor melding.
- Serve hot as a comforting main course, accompanied by rice or a light salad.
Notes
- Prep ahead by cutting chicken and broccoli into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Use freshly grated cheese for maximum melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- Let the sauce simmer and thicken gradually to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Opt for whole wheat bread crumbs for added nutrition and a slightly nutty topping.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg