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Ultimate Creamy Scratch-Made Chicken Divan Casserole

A spoonful of creamy Chicken Divan casserole featuring chicken, broccoli, and a golden brown breadcrumb topping.
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Make a classic, comforting Chicken Divan casserole from scratch featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, homemade cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Add 3/4 cup of the Cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, the remaining 1/4 cup of Cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
  9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use Gruyère cheese along with the Cheddar.
  • If you prefer a crunchier topping, toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly in a dry skillet before mixing them with the butter and cheese.
  • You can substitute cooked turkey for the chicken if desired.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hungryhearld.com/chicken-divan-ultimate-creamy-casserole-recipe/