Description
Classic broccoli chicken divan delivers comfort and flavor in one satisfying casserole. Home cooks can enjoy this creamy, cheesy dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich sauce for a delightful family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken, cubed
- 2 cups (480 ml) broccoli florets
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) bread crumbs
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Base Layer: Distribute cooked, chopped chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish, then cover with fresh broccoli florets in a uniform layer.
- Sauce Creation: In a medium saucepan, craft a velvety sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to form a smooth roux, gradually blending chicken broth and whole milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Sauce Refinement: Cook the mixture until it thickens and reaches a gentle boil, then remove from heat and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and ground black pepper until fully melted and integrated.
- Assembly: Pour the luxurious cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring complete coverage, then generously sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs across the top for a crisp, golden texture.
- Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface achieves a rich golden-brown color and the edges are bubbling with appetizing intensity.
- Finishing: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the sauce to set and flavors to meld, then serve hot alongside rice or a crisp salad for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a sharp cheddar for deeper flavor complexity and better melting properties.
- Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat broccoli florets dry before layering to avoid excess moisture and maintain crisp texture.
- Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk continuously while adding liquid to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce without burning.
- Bread Crumb Boost: Toast bread crumbs briefly before sprinkling to enhance their crunchiness and add a nutty depth to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg