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Scratch-Made Ultra-Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole

A spoonful of creamy Chicken Divan casserole with broccoli florets and melted, browned cheese being lifted from the dish.

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Make this creamy Chicken Divan Casserole from scratch for a satisfying, wholesome family dinner. This recipe uses tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked white rice (optional base)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets until tender-crisp. Drain well.
  3. Prepare the creamy sauce: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk 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 saucepan from the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  6. Stir in 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. This is your Mornay sauce.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and the optional cooked rice. Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If you are using almonds, sprinkle them over the cheese layer.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For quicker prep, use store-bought rotisserie chicken.
  • If you prefer a tangier flavor, substitute half of the cheddar cheese with Gruyère.
  • To make this a low-carb option, skip the optional rice base.

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