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Easy Scratch-Made Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole

A spoonful of creamy Chicken Divan with shredded chicken, broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese being lifted from the baking dish.
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Make a rich, comforting Chicken Divan casserole from scratch using tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a homemade creamy cheddar sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus 1/2 cup for topping
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until the cheese melts completely into a smooth sauce.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, and the prepared cheese sauce. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If using, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a teaspoon of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute frozen broccoli for fresh, but thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.
  • For a richer flavor, use Gruyère cheese along with the cheddar.
  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash more milk or broth before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/chicken-divan-easy-scratch-made-casserole/