Creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor, Traditional Chicken Divan is a timeless casserole dish perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken breast, vibrant broccoli florets, and a rich homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of garlic, all baked to bubbly perfection. The crowning glory is a golden panko breadcrumb topping, lightly toasted with olive oil for a satisfying crunch. This oven-baked classic comes together in under an hour, offering the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and wholesome ingredients. Serve it as a stand-alone meal or pair it with a simple side salad for an unforgettable dining experience. Ideal for weeknight meals or potlucks, this traditional recipe is sure to please any crowd!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes a pale golden color. This creates a roux.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream and continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.
Spread the blanched broccoli evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the shredded chicken on top of the broccoli.
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring everything is well-coated.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the cheese sauce is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Traditional Chicken Divan!
Calories |
4155 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 269.2 g | 345% | |
| Saturated Fat | 144.3 g | 722% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1252 mg | 417% | |
| Sodium | 6663 mg | 290% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 97.9 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.6 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.7 g | ||
| Protein | 316.2 g | 632% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2384 mg | 183% | |
| Iron | 17.2 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 3705 mg | 79% | |
*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.