Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Divan is a comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Inspired by Barefoot Contessa, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner with a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided, plus more for greasing)
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• 1 large head of broccoli (cut into 1- to 2-inch florets, tender stems peeled and cut into ½-inch slices, about 5 cups)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
• 1 bunch of scallions (chopped, about 1 cup)
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese (about 6 ounces)
• 3 to 3 ½ cups cooked, diced chicken
• ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds (toasted)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and butter a 3-quart casserole dish. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside. If using frozen broccoli, ensure it is thawed before use.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chopped sage and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color.
5. Step 5: Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth to avoid lumps.
6. Step 6: Add dry sherry (or additional chicken broth), nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir in shredded Gruyere until melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Step 7: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked broccoli, and chopped scallions. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir to combine.
8. Step 8: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese, toasted almonds, and breadcrumbs.
10. Step 10: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbling.
11. Step 11: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute Gruyere with sharp cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use leftover roasted chicken to save time and enhance flavor.
• Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning and bring out their nuttiness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the topping’s crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely. Turkey or cooked ham can be used instead of chicken for a delicious variation. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower.

Broccoli Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 52 reviews

This Barefoot Contessa-inspired Chicken Divan is a creamy and comforting casserole featuring tender broccoli florets, succulent cooked chicken, and a luscious Gruyere cheese sauce enhanced with fresh sage and nutmeg. Topped with toasted almonds, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs, it bakes to a golden, bubbling perfection — making it an elegant yet easy dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into 1- to 2-inch florets with tender stems peeled and sliced ½-inch thick (about 5 cups)
• 1 bunch scallions, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

Dairy & Butter

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided, plus more for greasing)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese (about 6 ounces)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Proteins

• 3 to 3 ½ cups cooked, diced chicken

Pantry & Seasonings

• Kosher salt, to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon plus more for boiling water)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry (or chicken broth as substitute)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 3-quart casserole dish with butter and set aside to prepare for assembly.
2. Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside. (If using frozen broccoli, be sure it is fully thawed before use.)
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the chopped fresh sage and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Roux: Whisk in 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the roux turns a light golden color, which cooks out the raw flour taste.
5. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the milk, heavy cream, and low-sodium chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the dry sherry (or substitute chicken broth), a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, approximately 1 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese until it fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Assemble the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked diced chicken and cooked broccoli. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the mixture and mix gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
8. Transfer to Dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared buttered casserole dish.
9. Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the top of the casserole with the grated Parmesan cheese, toasted sliced almonds, and breadcrumbs. Place in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
10. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to settle. Serve warm, enjoying the creamy, crunchy texture contrasts and rich flavors of this homemade Chicken Divan.

Notes

• Using fresh sage adds a lovely aromatic flavor, but dried sage can be substituted in a pinch; reduce quantity accordingly.
• Dry sherry in the sauce adds depth, but chicken broth can be used instead for a non-alcoholic option.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and additional vegetables if desired.
• To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring often to prevent burning.
• Make sure the broccoli is not overcooked before baking to keep some crispness under the creamy sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Chicken Divan, Broccoli Casserole, Gruyere Cheese Sauce, Barefoot Contessa Recipe, Comfort Food