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Ultimate Creamy Scratch-Made Chicken Divan Casserole

A close-up slice of creamy Chicken Divan featuring shredded chicken, broccoli florets, and a crispy, cheesy topping.
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Make the best creamy Chicken Divan casserole using a homemade sauce instead of canned soup. This recipe features tender chicken and broccoli baked under a cheesy topping for a satisfying comfort food dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain immediately and set aside.
  3. Prepare 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 milk and chicken broth until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). This forms your Mornay sauce base.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese, and the Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts completely. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, and the creamy sauce. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
  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. Serve this hearty chicken meal with rice or potatoes.

Notes

  • For quicker prep, use store-bought rotisserie chicken.
  • You can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen, thawed broccoli florets.
  • For a richer flavor, add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the cheese sauce.

Nutrition

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