Indulge in the cozy comfort of "Chicken Divan for Two," a scaled-down version of the classic casserole designed perfectly for a romantic dinner or an intimate weeknight meal. Juicy, golden chicken breasts and tender broccoli florets are smothered in a luxurious homemade cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and Parmesan, then topped with crispy breadcrumb perfection. This creamy, golden baked dish comes together in just 45 minutes, combining easy steps like blanching broccoli and preparing a simple roux for an impressive yet approachable meal. Perfect for small households, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort, making it a go-to for comforting chicken casseroles. Serve it as-is or pair it with rice or a crisp side salad for a complete meal!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a small baking dish (8x8 inches) or similar size.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green but still firm. Drain and set aside.
Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Layer the blanched broccoli in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add the sliced chicken on top.
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli and chicken. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the top.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Chicken Divan!
Calories |
2290 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 159.0 g | 204% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.6 g | 443% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 634 mg | 211% | |
| Sodium | 3867 mg | 168% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.3 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 157.2 g | 314% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 2002 mg | 154% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1000 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.