Quick & Hearty Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan represents a quintessential comfort food classic that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Rich, creamy textures mingle with savory proteins and vibrant vegetables in this beloved casserole.

Home cooks adore its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature, making it a staple for family meals.

The dish combines hearty protein with nutritious greens, creating a balanced and satisfying experience.

Layers of flavor develop through carefully selected ingredients that complement each other perfectly.

Some recipes elevate the traditional approach with unexpected twists or personal touches.

Cheese creates a golden, bubbling surface that promises pure deliciousness; you’ll want to dig in immediately.

Chicken Divan That Turns Heads Every Time

• Comfort Food Champion: This chicken divan delivers ultimate cozy satisfaction with its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly blended ingredients that wrap you in warmth like a delicious culinary hug.
• Smart Ingredient Symphony: Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses create a luxurious depth of flavor, while sage adds an unexpected herbal note that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Requiring just 35 minutes of baking time and simple preparation steps, this recipe transforms leftover chicken and broccoli into a stunning casserole that feels gourmet but takes minimal effort.
• Texture Treasure Trove: Crisp breadcrumb topping provides a delightful crunch against the smooth, velvety cheese sauce, creating a magical contrast that makes every single bite interesting and satisfying.

What You Need for That Creamy Broccoli Moment

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish, choose boneless and skinless for easier preparation.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and can replace sherry for a non-alcoholic option.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture, select bright green and firm florets.

• Milk, Double Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce base, whole milk ensures a smooth consistency.
• Gruyere Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide complex, nutty flavor and help create a golden, melted topping.

• Butter: Helps create a roux and adds richness to the sauce, use unsalted for better control of salt.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and creates a smooth base, all-purpose flour works best.
• Sage: Fresh herb that adds earthy and aromatic notes to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall flavor.
• Sherry: Optional ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy texture and golden-brown finish to the casserole.

Bake the Comfort of Divan with Love

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large casserole dish with a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

• Broccoli florets
• Pinch of salt

Cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in fresh sage for an aromatic touch. Whisk in flour until the mixture turns golden and smells nutty.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Layers

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream

Whisk continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 5-6 minutes.

Step 5: Season and Enrich

• Sherry (or chicken broth)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Gruyere cheese

Mix until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth.

Step 6: Combine Protein and Vegetables

• Cooked chicken pieces
• Blanched broccoli

Ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly to create a consistent layer.

Step 8: Add Crispy Topping

• Grated Parmesan
• Breadcrumbs

This will create a delightful golden crust.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble slightly.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes. This helps the casserole set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy chicken and broccoli dish!

Kitchen Tips to Elevate the Creamy Layers

• Perfectly Steam Broccoli: Blanch the broccoli quickly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
• Maximize Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie or roasted chicken works wonderfully, providing tender meat and saving precious preparation time.
• Create Cheese Depth: Blend sharp cheddar with nutty Gruyère for a more complex, luxurious flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Boost Breadcrumb Crunch: Homemade breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and grated Parmesan will create an irresistibly golden, crispy topping.
• Layer Flavor Strategically: Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme or tarragon between layers to infuse the casserole with subtle, aromatic notes.

How to Store Divan Without Losing Creaminess

• Protect Freshness: Seal chicken divan in vacuum-sealed bags to lock in flavor and prevent freezer burn. Squeeze out excess air using a straw or vacuum sealer for maximum preservation. These bags keep food fresher longer and prevent moisture loss.
• Portion Control: Divide chicken divan into single-serving containers before freezing. Label each container with the date and contents using waterproof markers. Small portions defrost faster and reduce waste, making meal planning a breeze.
• Smart Reheating: Revive leftover chicken divan using a ceramic or glass dish to maintain even heating. Sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the top to prevent dryness and restore moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel to trap steam and ensure a juicy, restaurant-quality result.

Flavor Upgrades That Refresh the Classic

• Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat for an elegant maritime version that brings oceanic flavors to the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or white beans, keeping the creamy sauce and cheesy topping for a plant-based alternative.
• Green Medley Mix: Incorporate additional green vegetables like spinach or asparagus alongside broccoli to enhance nutritional value and create a more complex vegetable profile.
• Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap sage for oregano to give the casserole a Greek-inspired Mediterranean character with vibrant, zesty undertones.

Farewell to Divan, but Not for Long

Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken Divan emerges as royal culinary comfort, bridging classic French technique with American home cooking.

Rich Gruyere sauce cascades through tender chicken and verdant broccoli, creating harmonious flavor landscapes.

Sage whispers elegant notes across each delectable bite, elevating this casserole beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Parmesan-crusted breadcrumbs provide crisp contrast against creamy underlying textures, making each forkful a celebration of sophisticated simplicity.

Ina Garten’s signature style transforms humble ingredients into extraordinary dining experiences.

Passionate recipe lovers: click those share buttons, sprinkle enthusiastic comments below, and spread this delightful culinary magic across your networks!

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic Chicken Divan brings comfort and elegance to dinner tables across America. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli create a rich casserole you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 900g (2 pounds) cooked, diced chicken
• 100g (3.5 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 50g (1.75 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into 1- to 2-inch florets (about 5 cups / 500g)
• 280g (10 ounces) frozen broccoli spears or florets
• 350g (12.5 ounces) cooked rice

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• 70g (2.5 ounces) unsalted butter
• 40g (1.4 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry (or chicken broth)
• 240ml (8 fluid ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
• 240ml (8 fluid ounces) milk
• 240ml (8 fluid ounces) double cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• Kosher salt
• 1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 25g (0.9 ounces) breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Ready the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F and generously coat a 2.8-liter (3-quart) casserole dish with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create a hot water bath in a saucepan and immerse 500 grams () of broccoli florets, cooking until they reach a vibrant, crisp-tender texture. Carefully drain and reserve.
3. In a separate saucepan, gently melt 70 grams () of unsalted butter over medium heat. Introduce finely chopped fresh sage, allowing its aromatic essence to infuse.
4. Sprinkle 40 grams () of all-purpose flour into the butter, whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture transforms into a golden, nutty-hued roux.
5. Slowly incorporate 240 milliliters of whole milk and 240 milliliters of double cream, stirring consistently to create a velvety, thickening sauce.
6. Enhance the sauce with of sherry (or chicken broth), of salt, and of freshly ground black pepper, blending thoroughly.
7. Gradually fold 150 grams of shredded Gruyere cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and achieving a smooth, luxurious consistency.
8. Incorporate 900 grams of cooked chicken and the prepared broccoli florets, ensuring an even distribution throughout the creamy mixture.
9. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer.
10. Elegantly crown the casserole with 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese and 25 grams of breadcrumbs, providing a crisp, golden topping.
11. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the surface turns a beautiful golden brown and the contents are heated through completely.

Notes

• Perfectly balance broccoli’s doneness by cooking until tender yet maintaining a slight crispness, ensuring the vegetable doesn’t become mushy in the casserole.
• Transform leftover roasted or grilled chicken into a convenient protein source, easily shredded or diced for seamless recipe integration.
• Elevate the dish’s creaminess by blending complementary cheeses like sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyère, creating a more complex and indulgent flavor profile.
• Enhance the casserole’s texture with homemade breadcrumbs, toasting them in butter for an irresistible golden-brown, crunchy topping that adds delightful contrast.
• Customize the seasoning by experimenting with salt, black pepper, or a hint of cayenne to match your personal taste preferences and spice tolerance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 388
• Sugar: 1.5g
• Sodium: 948mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 7.6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.2g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 55mg