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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/broccoli-casserole-recipe/