Ina Garten Chicken Divan Recipe
The Ina Garten Chicken Divan Recipe is creamy, cheesy and full of comfort. It is a classic family dinner that never fails. Tender chicken and fresh broccoli bake in a rich sauce.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs optional topping
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
Cook the Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook for 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside. Broccoli should stay slightly crisp.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for one minute. This creates a smooth base for the creamy sauce.
Add Milk and Broth
- Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth while whisking. Cook until the sauce thickens. Stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Add Cheese and Seasoning
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mix until cheese melts smoothly into sauce.
Add Sour Cream
- Stir sour cream into the warm sauce. This makes the sauce extra creamy and rich. Mix well until fully combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread broccoli evenly in the baking dish. Add shredded chicken on top. Pour the creamy sauce over everything evenly.
Add Topping
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish. You can also add extra shredded cheese if desired.
Bake the Dish
- Place the dish in the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest five minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster preparation.
- Do not overcook broccoli before baking.
- Whisk sauce constantly to avoid lumps.
- Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.
- Let casserole rest before serving.