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–+ servings

Broccoli Chicken Divan

Broccoli Chicken Divan is the ultimate retro comfort food updated for modern kitchens. Ditch the condensed soup for this healthier scratch-made version that is ready in just 45 minutes. Tender broccoli and juicy chicken are smothered in a rich cheddar parmesan sauce with a crispy panko topping.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 SERVINGS

Ingredients
  

FOR THE CASSEROLE

  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
  • 5 cups broccoli florets steamed or blanched and well-drained
  • cooking spray or butter for the baking dish

FOR THE SAUCE

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch for gluten free
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth or stock
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • pinch of nutmeg optional

FOR THE TOPPING

  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs optional
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
  • Steam broccoli for 3–4 minutes (or blanch for 2 minutes), then drain well and set aside.
  • Make the sauce: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  • Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
  • Whisk in chicken broth, then milk. Simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, Dijon, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Add chicken and broccoli to the baking dish. Pour sauce over the top and stir gently to combine.
  • Sprinkle cheddar and parmesan evenly over the top.
  • Optional: mix panko with melted butter or olive oil, then sprinkle over the cheese.
  • Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the broccoli before baking. Keep it crisp-tender so it finishes perfectly in the oven.
Frozen broccoli works. Thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
Make ahead: assemble up to 24 hours ahead. Add breadcrumbs right before baking for the crispiest topping.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!