Ina Garten’s Chicken Divan is a comforting, creamy casserole that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, all baked to perfection. This dish is a classic, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. The creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and tender chicken make it a timeless favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
What is Ina Garten Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole made with tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce. Ina Garten’s take on this dish brings a sophisticated touch, using fresh ingredients and a homemade sauce that combines cheese, cream, and Dijon mustard for a deliciously rich flavor. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese mixture, this casserole is baked until bubbly and golden.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Creamy and Comforting: The rich sauce made with cheese and cream gives this dish a luxurious texture.
- Perfect for Family Dinners: It’s a satisfying meal that pleases both kids and adults.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole in advance and bake it later, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the cheese to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Divan
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions to Make Ina Garten Chicken Divan
Step 1: Cook the Broccoli
- Blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Cook or shred the chicken: Use pre-cooked chicken or poached chicken breasts in simmering water until cooked through (about 10-12 minutes). Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Create the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Add broth and cream: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cheese and seasonings: Add the shredded Gruyère, cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked broccoli evenly across the bottom. Top with the shredded chicken.
- Pour the sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it out evenly to coat all the ingredients.
Step 5: Add the Topping
- Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
What Goes Well with Ina Garten Chicken Divan
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the casserole over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Crusty Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every bit of sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots add a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well with the creamy casserole.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Chicken Divan
- Use freshly cooked chicken: For the best texture and flavor, use freshly cooked chicken instead of canned or pre-cooked options.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: Blanching the broccoli helps it stay tender-crisp without becoming mushy during baking.
- Adjust the cheese: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use more cheddar and less Gruyère, or substitute with mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Toast the breadcrumbs: Lightly toasting the breadcrumbs before adding them to the casserole ensures an extra crispy topping.
Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Divan
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower instead of broccoli for a lower-carb version of the dish.
- Spicy Chicken Divan: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double the broccoli or add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend to make the sauce.
Storing Ina Garten Chicken Divan: Best Practices
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the casserole: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Label and date: Always label and date the casserole before freezing to track freshness.
Reheating Ina Garten Chicken Divan: Best Practices
- Oven method: Reheat the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave option: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on medium power, ensuring even heating.
- Add moisture if needed: If the casserole seems dry, add a little extra cream or broth before reheating.
How Can I Make Ina Garten Chicken Divan Healthier?
To make Ina Garten’s Chicken Divan healthier, consider these adjustments:
- Use low-fat milk or cream: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat milk to reduce fat content.
- Increase the vegetables: Add extra broccoli or mix in other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more fiber and nutrients.
- Use whole-wheat breadcrumbs: Opt for whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs for a healthier, fiber-rich topping.
- Choose lean chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to lower the fat and calorie content.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Chicken Divan up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed.
How do I prevent Chicken Divan from becoming watery?
To prevent Chicken Divan from becoming watery, make sure to drain the broccoli well after blanching. Additionally, cook the sauce until it thickens properly before adding it to the casserole to avoid excess moisture during baking.
Can I freeze Chicken Divan?
Yes, Chicken Divan freezes well. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What can I substitute for cream in Chicken Divan?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the sauce. If you prefer a non-dairy option, use coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy texture.
Final Words
Ina Garten’s Chicken Divan is a creamy, flavorful casserole that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, this dish is comforting and satisfying.
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Ina Garten Chicken Marsala
- Ina Garten Beef Stroganoff
- Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Ina Garten Beef Chili
Ina Garten Chicken Divan Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: American
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole made with tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce. Ina Garten’s take on this dish brings a sophisticated touch, using fresh ingredients and a homemade sauce that combines cheese, cream, and Dijon mustard for a deliciously rich flavor. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese mixture, this casserole is baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Broccoli
- Blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Cook or shred the chicken: Use pre-cooked chicken or poach chicken breasts in simmering water until cooked through (about 10-12 minutes). Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Create the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Add broth and cream: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cheese and seasonings: Add the shredded Gruyère, cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked broccoli evenly across the bottom. Top with the shredded chicken.
- Pour the sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it out evenly to coat all the ingredients.
Step 5: Add the Topping
- Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
