Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Divan is a classic, comforting casserole featuring tender chicken and broccoli in a rich, creamy cheese sauce topped with a crunchy almond and breadcrumb crust. This version inspired by Barefoot Contessa is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided, plus more for greasing)
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• 1 large head of broccoli (cut into 1- to 2-inch florets, tender stems peeled and cut into ½-inch slices, about 5 cups)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
• 1 bunch of scallions (chopped, about 1 cup)
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese (about 6 ounces)
• 3 to 3 ½ cups cooked (diced chicken)
• ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds (toasted)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 3-quart casserole dish with butter. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped sage and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
5. Step 5: Slowly pour in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
6. Step 6: Stir in the dry sherry (or additional chicken broth), nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Mix in the shredded Gruyere cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Step 8: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and broccoli. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until well combined.
9. Step 9: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle the top evenly with Parmesan cheese, toasted almonds, and breadcrumbs.
11. Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
12. Step 12: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• You can substitute sherry with extra chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• For a crunchy topping, toast the breadcrumbs and almonds before sprinkling.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce for a subtle kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to maintain the crunchy topping. Microwaving may soften the crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen broccoli. Make sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing it into the casserole to avoid a watery dish.

Is there a substitute for Gruyere cheese?

Emmental, Swiss, or a mild white Cheddar cheese can be used if Gruyere is unavailable. Each will slightly change the flavor but keep the creamy texture.

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe

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A creamy, cheesy Chicken Divan featuring tender broccoli florets and succulent cooked chicken baked under a golden, crunchy Parmesan and almond topping. This comforting casserole recipe from Barefoot Contessa combines a rich Gruyere cheese sauce enriched with cream and sherry, making it an elegant yet easy dish perfect for family dinners.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Broccoli:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into 1- to 2-inch florets and tender stems peeled and sliced (about 5 cups)
• Kosher salt, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese (about 6 ounces)
• 1 bunch scallions, chopped (about 1 cup)

Other Ingredients:

• 3 to 3 ½ cups cooked diced chicken
• ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• Unsalted butter for greasing casserole dish

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 3-quart casserole dish with butter and set it aside for later use.
2. Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Drain well and set aside. (If using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s fully thawed before using.)
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped fresh sage and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color, forming a roux.
4. Add Liquids and Cheese: Gradually pour in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the dry sherry (or additional chicken broth), freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked diced chicken and blanched broccoli florets. Pour the creamy Gruyere cheese sauce over the mixture and gently stir to combine evenly. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the top of the casserole with grated Parmesan cheese, toasted sliced almonds, and breadcrumbs. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld and the dish to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Chicken Divan inspired by Barefoot Contessa!

Notes

• Use fresh broccoli for the best texture; if using frozen, thaw thoroughly before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
• Dry sherry adds a subtle depth of flavor, but it can be substituted with additional chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
• To toast almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
• Make sure not to overcook the broccoli during blanching; it should remain slightly crisp to withstand baking.
• This dish can be prepared a day ahead, assembled, and refrigerated; bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

Keywords: Chicken Divan, Barefoot Contessa, chicken casserole, creamy chicken broccoli bake, Gruyere cheese sauce, comfort food