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Scratch-Made Chicken Divan Casserole

A close-up view of a creamy Chicken Divan casserole bubbling with chicken and broccoli, topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust.
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You make this creamy, cheesy Chicken Divan Casserole from scratch, avoiding canned soup for a richer flavor. This recipe features tender chicken and broccoli in a homemade Mornay sauce, perfect for a satisfying comfort food dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
  2. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain well.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This is your roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. This is your base for the Mornay sauce.
  5. Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Mix everything until the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated.
  7. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
  8. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute cooked white rice for the breadcrumb topping if you prefer a Chicken and Rice Casserole variation.
  • Cooked chicken can be rotisserie chicken for a weeknight shortcut.
  • For an extra savory flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the cheese sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/chicken-divan-scratch-made-casserole-recipe/