Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
