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Easy, quick, and dreamy, this creamy chicken and broccoli casserole is topped with a buttery, crunchy topping. Very comfortable and very good.
why i like this recipe
A nostalgic classic casserole, like the one your mom used to make An easy-to-make dinner that’s a crowd-pleaser Perfect for large family gatherings, new moms, or friends recovering from surgery As easy as making from scratch (no canned soup) Crunchy, buttery Ritz topping Convenient make-ahead option Freezes like a dream for up to 2 months and reheats beautifully
What is chicken divan
Chicken divan is a traditional American casserole with chicken, broccoli, cream sauce, cheese, and crunchy toppings such as buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. It is named after the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City, which served original cuisine in the early 20th century.
How to make a casserole perfect for nostalgic weeknights
Season the chicken and cook until golden brown Saute the onion and celery in the melted butter (you can add frozen broccoli at this step if using) Stir in the flour (this will help thicken the casserole) Drain the glaze from the pan and scrape up any browned bits for maximum flavor Add all the liquid here to keep it happy and saucy and simmer until thick Stir in the cheese, chicken and broccoli Sprinkle everything with the crushed butter Top with crackers in an even layer Bake until bubbly and golden brown
Tips and tricks for success
Use white or dark meat. Chicken breasts, chicken breasts, and thighs all work well here. Reduce preparation time. Use leftover rotisserie chicken (skip steps 1 and 2) or substitute frozen broccoli to further reduce prep time. Please choose the wine you would like to drink. A dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) is best here. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Since there is an open bottle, you can drink it little by little. Use high quality stock. The higher the quality of your stock, the better your casserole will be. Many brands prefer to pack salt, so always choose unsalted or low-sodium varieties. Homemade soup stock is even more delicious. Freshly grated cheese goes a long way. Although pre-shredded cheese can save you a few minutes in the kitchen, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents to prevent it from clumping, which can interfere with its ability to melt properly. Freshly grated cheese not only has better flavor, but it melts more smoothly and evenly, resulting in a better chicken divan. Top with round buttery crackers. While some recipes call for potato chips or breadcrumbs, it’s a long-standing tradition to toss crushed crackers (we love Ritz) with melted butter, resulting in your favorite crunchy, buttery goodness. Mix. Replace broccoli with another vegetable such as cauliflower, zucchini, carrots, or peas. Enjoy with crunchy bread. Serve with homemade crunchy bread for dipping, dipping, or dipping. Freeze before baking. This will maintain the texture and prevent it from becoming sticky. Always use a freezer-safe baking dish, label and date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Freezing and storage
preparation
Prepare and assemble ahead of time, then add toppings just before baking. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 48 hours. To bake, let the casserole stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. Unwrap, sprinkle with toppings and bake as directed. If necessary, add an additional 5 to 10 minutes to cooking time.
storage
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
rekindling
Cover with aluminum foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.
Freeze before baking
Cover the casserole without the cracker topping tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil (this will help prevent freezer burn). Label, date, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, unwrap, sprinkle with toppings, and bake as directed. If necessary, add an additional 5 to 10 minutes to cooking time.
What to serve with chicken divan
Roasted Vegetables Easy No-Knead Bread Easy Garlic Parmesan Knots Garlic Butter Mushrooms and Cauliflower The Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
Tools used for this recipe
large iron frying pan
For the best texture and flavor, use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet that maintains even heat. Added bonus: Cast iron skillets are oven safe and can be used directly from the stovetop to the oven.
Chicken Divan: Frequently Asked Questions
You can also use frozen and thawed broccoli, but you’ll need to drain the excess liquid well to avoid a watery, mushy chicken divan.
yes! It can be assembled up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Not at all. Additional chicken stock can be used in white wine as a non-alcoholic alternative.
Heavy cream (or heavy whipped cream) has the highest fat content, containing about 36-40% fat. Half-and-half or whole milk are good substitutes, but the results will be lighter.
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
chicken divan
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Device
material
for topping
30 butter crackers Lightly crushed foods such as Ritz3 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
