Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed: Tender, pre-cooked chicken serves as the protein base. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach chicken breasts for a homemade touch.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color, a pleasant crunch, and nutritional value. You can also use frozen broccoli for added convenience.
- 2 tablespoons butter: This is the starting point of the roux, giving the sauce its rich flavor and silky texture.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Combined with butter, flour creates the roux, which thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds a savory depth of flavor while keeping the sauce light.
- 1 cup milk: Balances the chicken broth for a creamier consistency. Use whole milk for best results.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the sauce without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick of warmth to the dish.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that lends gooey, cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar works wonderfully for its bold flavor.
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs: Toasted breadcrumbs provide a crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer the Chicken and Broccoli:
- Spread the cubed chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish. Top with broccoli florets, distributing them evenly to ensure every bite includes both chicken and broccoli.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste (roux). Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquid Ingredients:
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Repeat with the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Flavor the Sauce:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Add the Breadcrumb Topping:
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the dish. For extra crunch, you can toss the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Dish out generous portions and enjoy the comforting flavors of Broccoli Chicken Divan.
Notes
- Chicken Alternatives: Swap chicken with turkey or ham for a twist. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works particularly well.
- Vegetables: Replace broccoli with cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for unique variations.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute butter with plant-based butter, milk with almond or oat milk, and cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes