Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is purely comforting soul food. Juicy chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and buttery, crispy topping create a flavor party for your mouth. This incredible casserole is guaranteed to be your family's favorite meal this fall.

Course dinner, Main

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings

Calories 745kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

4-5 cups (284-355g) broccoli florets
2 pounds (907g) chicken breast, skinless, boneless, and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon (4g) Creole seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons (28ml) oil
3 tablespoons (42g) butter
2 teaspoons (10g) garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 tablespoons (30g) flour
2¼ cups (300ml) whole milk
1 cup (240ml) chicken stock
1 -2 teaspoons (4-8g) Creole seasoning (salt-free, see notes)
½ cup (57g) cheddar cheese
½ cup (50g) parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons (10g) Worcestershire sauce
¾ teaspoon (3.75g) salt, or more to adjust to taste
1 pinch nutmeg

Breadcrumb Topping

¾ cup (37g) Panko breadcrumbs
2-3 tablespoons (28-42g) butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350℉/177℃. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Put your broccoli florets into a pan with just enough water to cover them. Heat the water to a boil and cook with the lid on for 5 minutes. When the broccoli is tender, drain and set aside.
Next, season chopped chicken with salt and Creole seasoning (salt-free). Thoroughly mix.
Heat oil in a large skillet, add the chicken, and cook it for about 5–6 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside.
Add butter to the skillet, and let it melt. Follow with the minced garlic and onions. Cook until onions wilted—3-4 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook it for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Slowly add milk and chicken stock because you don't want the mixture to form any lumps. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly. Add Creole seasoning, and continue cooking for about 2 more minutes.
Stir in the cheeses and Worcestershire sauce, and stir until the cheese melts and everything is evenly combined and smooth. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.
Mix the Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl until the butter is absorbed and your mixture is crumbly.
Add cooked broccoli to the prepared baking or casserole dish. Then add the chicken and follow with the sauce.
Top with the breadcrumb mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until bubbly and lightly brown.

Notes

I left out the salt in my homemade Creole Seasoning to better control the amount of salt in the dish. If you use a store-bought version with salt, adjust or cut back on the salt added to this dish.
You can swap chicken breast for chicken thighs, just make sure it's boneless and skinless. Leftover chicken or turkey also works fine.
If you prefer that crisp bite to contrast the creamy cheesy sauce, you may skip the steaming part and just wash and drain the broccoli before assembling it in the baking dish.
More cheese on top of your casserole gives you an extra cheesy, melty Chicken Divan.
Also, brining your chicken ensures it's more flavorful and juicy.
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.

Nutrition