Mohamed Shili This creamy and satisfying Ina Garten Chicken Divan is prepared using unsalted butter, broccoli, chicken, Gruyère cheese, and almonds. This delicious chicken casserole recipe is a comforting dinner that takes about 50 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Ina Garten Chicken Divan Ingredients
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter (extra for greasing)
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets and tender stems (about 5 cups)
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp dry sherry (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 bunch scallions, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded gruyere cheese (about 6 ounces)
- 1 cooked 3 1/2-pound chicken, meat removed and cut into chunks (3 to 3 1/2 cups meat)
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced or slivered, toasted
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
How To Make Ina Garten Chicken Divan
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a 3-quart casserole dish with some of the butter. Boil the broccoli florets in salted water until they are almost tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
- Melt 4 tbsp of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped sage and flour to the pan, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is bubbling. Pour in the sherry and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Add a pinch of nutmeg, along with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens, which should take about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Stir the chopped scallions and shredded Gruyère cheese into the sauce until the cheese is fully melted. In a large bowl, combine the sauce with the cooked broccoli, chicken chunks, and toasted almonds, mixing everything until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Melt 1 tbsp of butter and mix it with the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this buttery mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and bubbling.
Recipe Tips
- Use a food processor for even chopping: If you have a food processor, use it to chop the broccoli and scallions. This will ensure uniform pieces and a smoother texture in the casserole.
- Toast the almonds for extra flavor: Lightly toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re golden brown. This will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.
- Substitute half-and-half for cream: If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It will still provide a creamy texture but with fewer calories.
- Add a splash of lemon juice: To brighten the flavor, add a splash of fresh lemon juice to the sauce. This will give the dish a subtle tanginess that complements the creamy sauce.
What To Serve With Chicken Divan
Serve your creamy Chicken Divan with roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini noodles, fresh cucumber salad, buttery corn on the cob, or herbed quinoa.
You can also pair garlic sautéed spinach, crunchy carrot sticks for extra freshness, or a light arugula salad to balance the richness.
How To Store Chicken Divan
To Refrigerate: Store Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating to avoid moisture build-up.
To Freeze: Freeze Chicken Divan in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
How To Reheat Chicken Divan
In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20 to 25 minutes. This helps to evenly warm the casserole and avoid drying it out.
In The Microwave: Transfer a portion of Chicken Divan to a microwave-safe plate. Cover loosely and heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating and check the temperature.
In The Air Fryer: Place the Chicken Divan in the air fryer basket. Heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method crisps the top while reheating the dish evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère cheese with Swiss or Fontina cheese. These cheeses melt well and will still provide a creamy texture.
What if I don’t have dry sherry?
If you don’t have dry sherry, you can use chicken broth or white wine as a substitute. These will still add a nice depth of flavor to the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Divan in advance. Assemble it, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Check out More Recipes From Ina Garten:
Ina Garten Chicken Divan
Description
This creamy and satisfying Ina Garten Chicken Divan is prepared using unsalted butter, broccoli, chicken, Gruyère cheese, and almonds. This delicious chicken casserole recipe is a comforting dinner that takes about 50 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Ina Garten Chicken Divan Ingredients
How To Make Ina Garten Chicken Divan
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a 3-quart casserole dish with some of the butter. Boil the broccoli florets in salted water until they are almost tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
- Melt 4 tbsp of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped sage and flour to the pan, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is bubbling. Pour in the sherry and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Add a pinch of nutmeg, along with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens, which should take about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Stir the chopped scallions and shredded Gruyère cheese into the sauce until the cheese is fully melted. In a large bowl, combine the sauce with the cooked broccoli, chicken chunks, and toasted almonds, mixing everything until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Melt 1 tbsp of butter and mix it with the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this buttery mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and bubbling.
