This recipe creates a comforting, creamy Chicken Divan casserole featuring tender chicken and broccoli baked in a rich cheese sauce. It is an easy, one-dish family dinner.
Author:alchemychef
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup crushed butter crackers (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain well and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Add the milk, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the mayonnaise and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts into the sauce.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, and the creamy sauce. Mix gently until all ingredients are coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
In a small bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers with 1 tablespoon of melted butter (optional, for extra crispness). Sprinkle the cracker crumbs over the cheese layer.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve this easy weeknight chicken dinner hot.
Notes
For a richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with dry white wine.
If you prefer a stronger curry flavor, increase the curry powder to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
This dish pairs well served over cooked white rice or egg noodles.