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Classic Scratch-Made Chicken Divan Casserole

A close-up serving of Chicken Divan casserole featuring creamy sauce, chicken pieces, and bright green broccoli topped with melted cheddar cheese.
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A recipe for a creamy, comforting casserole featuring cooked chicken and broccoli florets baked in a homemade sauce, avoiding canned soup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes until bright green. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well.
  3. Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  5. Whisk in the milk, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg. Continue to cook until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the mayonnaise and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and the prepared creamy sauce. Mix gently until everything is coated.
  8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If using, sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the cheese layer.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken.
  • You can substitute Gruyère cheese for some of the cheddar for a nuttier flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a softer broccoli texture, steam the florets until tender-crisp instead of blanching.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/chicken-divan-recipe-creamy-casserole/