Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe

This Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with tender chicken and fresh broccoli. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 50 minutes.

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Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 ½ pounds fresh broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warm
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken stock
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• 1 ½ cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the Topping:
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• A handful of extra shredded cheddar cheese

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for just 2–3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately drain and set aside.
3. Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the warm milk, cream, and chicken stock, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken (about 5-6 minutes).
4. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, optional nutmeg, the shredded cheddar, and the grated Parmesan until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Layer the Casserole: Arrange the blanched broccoli florets in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the shredded or diced chicken. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
6. Add the Topping and Bake: In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil and the extra handful of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.

Recipe Tips

• How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy? The key is to blanch it very briefly. Cooking it for only 2-3 minutes and then draining it ensures it stays tender-crisp and bright green, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• How do I get a smooth, lump-free sauce? Gently warming the milk before you add it to the butter-flour roux helps prevent lumps. Add the liquid slowly while whisking constantly for a perfectly smooth béchamel.
• What’s the best chicken for this recipe? For a quick and flavorful option, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked, seasoned, and moist, making it a perfect shortcut.
• Why should I let the casserole rest before serving? Letting the Chicken Divan stand for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is an important step. It allows the hot, bubbly cheese sauce to cool slightly and thicken, making it easier to serve clean portions.

What To Serve With Chicken Divan

This rich and creamy casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides.

• Buttered egg noodles or white rice
• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Warm, crusty bread for soaking up the sauce
• Steamed carrots or peas

How To Store Chicken Divan

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the casserole dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Add a splash of milk to the sauce if needed to restore its creaminess.
• Freeze: It’s best to freeze this casserole before baking. Assemble the entire dish, wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Chicken Divan Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 540 kcal
• Protein: 39g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 610mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
• Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo Recipe
• Ina Garten Chicken Casserole Recipe