Classic Ina Garten Chicken Divan Recipe with Creamy Sauce

Check out the world of chicken divan, a culinary marvel that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

This classic casserole whispers comfort with every aromatic bite, blending succulent chicken and crisp vegetables in a dance of flavors.

Creamy, indulgent, and surprisingly simple, the dish transforms weeknight dinners into gourmet experiences.

Each layer tells a story of warmth and satisfaction, promising a meal that hugs your taste buds.

The magic lies in the harmonious blend of textures and rich, velvety sauce that elevates humble ingredients.

Sophisticated yet totally approachable, this recipe speaks to both novice cooks and seasoned kitchen maestros.

Brace yourself for a dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Divan Ingredient Essentials (Ina Garten)

• Chicken: Select fresh, boneless pieces for tender, succulent texture.
• Scallions: Pick bright green, crisp stalks with no wilting signs.

• Gruyère Cheese: Choose aged wheels with rich, nutty flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for authentic wheels with deep, complex taste.
• Milk: Select whole milk for creamier consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Pick fresh, high-fat content for luxurious sauce.
• Butter: Use unsalted for precise flavor control.

• Broccoli Florets: Select firm, deep green clusters without yellow spots.
• Sage: Choose fresh, fragrant leaves with vibrant green color.
• Almonds: Pick raw, whole nuts for optimal toasting crunch.
• Breadcrumbs: Select fine, dry crumbs for even coating.
• Nutmeg: Use freshly grated for intense aromatic profile.
• Kosher Salt: Select coarse-grain for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Choose whole peppercorns to grind fresh.
• Sherry: Pick dry variety for sophisticated depth.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium for controlled salt levels.

Cooking Tools for Easy Chicken Divan

• Casserole Dish (3-quart): Greased baking vessel for assembling and baking the dish.
• Large Pan: For creating and simmering the creamy sauce.
• Large Mixing Bowl: To combine sauce, broccoli, chicken, and almonds thoroughly.
• Colander: For draining boiled broccoli florets.
• Wooden Spoon: To stir sauce and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: For precise liquid and ingredient measurements.
• Measuring Spoons: To add accurate amounts of seasonings.
• Cheese Grater: For shredding Gruyère and grating Parmesan.
• Chef's Knife: To chop sage, scallions, and prepare ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Work surface for ingredient preparation.
• Whisk: To blend sauce ingredients and prevent lumps.
• Oven: Preheated to 400°F for baking the casserole.

How to Assemble Chicken Divan Like Ina

• Warm Up the Oven and Prep Your Dish

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F. Lovingly grease a casserole dish with a swipe of butter. Quickly blanch broccoli in salty water until it’s just shy of tender, then drain and set aside.

• Craft a Silky Flavor Foundation

In a sizzling pan, melt butter and dance in some chopped sage with flour. Let it bubble and whisper for a few minutes. Splash in some sherry and stir with purpose, allowing the liquid to wake up the flavors.

• Weave the Creamy Magic

Pour in chicken broth, milk, and cream with a gentle hand. Sprinkle in a whisper of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally until it transforms into a luxurious sauce.

• Blend the Delicious Elements

Fold in bright scallions and rich Gruyère cheese until it melts into a smooth embrace. Combine the velvety sauce with broccoli, tender chicken chunks, and crunchy toasted almonds, ensuring every morsel gets a loving coating.

• Crown with a Crispy Topping

Transfer the mixture to your waiting dish. Melt butter and mix with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, creating a golden, crunchy blanket to sprinkle across the top.

• Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and let it dance for 35 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and bubbles with excitement. Pull out and serve immediately, ready to delight hungry friends and family.

Flavor Tips and Serving Style – Ina’s Divan

Mix up this classic casserole by swapping ingredients to match your taste preferences or pantry supplies.

Replace chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for diverse protein options.

Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, fontina, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the dish’s complexity.

Try alternative nut toppings such as pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for added texture and nutritional variety, ensuring each bite delivers a delightful crunch.

Elegant Ways to Serve Divan

• Serve with Crusty Companions: Pair this creamy broccoli chicken casserole with warm, crusty French bread or rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch.
• Create a Balanced Plate: Complement the rich casserole with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the meal with a glass of chilled Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio, whose subtle notes will beautifully match the sage and Gruyère flavors in the dish.
• Garnish for Extra Flair: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and a bright, herbal finish to the comforting casserole.

How to Prep Chicken Divan Ahead

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables, cook chicken, and toast almonds up to 24 hours before assembling the casserole. Store prepped ingredients separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap unbaked casserole securely in double layers of aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to original cooking time.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat entire casserole in 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.

Elegant Ina Garten Chicken Divan Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic Ina Garten chicken divan combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce for a comforting casserole. Rich parmesan and crisp breadcrumbs create a golden, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 3 ½-pound chicken, cooked and cut into chunks (3 to 3 ½ cups meat)
• 5 cups broccoli, cut into florets and tender stems
• 1 ½ cups gruyere cheese, shredded (about 6 oz)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 5 tbsps unsalted butter (extra for greasing)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsps dry sherry (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sage, fresh and chopped
• 5 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 cup scallions, chopped
• ½ cup almonds, sliced or slivered, toasted
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 pinch nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F and generously butter a 3-quart casserole dish. Blanch broccoli florets in salted water until crisp-tender, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauce Creation: In a skillet, melt butter and whisk sage with flour until frothy and golden. Deglaze with sherry, then gradually incorporate chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer and whisk until sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Ingredient Integration: Stir scallions and Gruyère into the sauce until fully melted. Combine cooked broccoli, chicken chunks, and toasted almonds in a large bowl. Pour sauce over ingredients, gently folding to ensure complete coating.
4. Topping and Baking: Spread mixture into prepared casserole dish. Mix melted butter with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Bake for 35 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown, crispy crust.

Notes

• Optimize Broccoli Texture: Precisely cook broccoli in salted water until crisp-tender to maintain vibrant color and prevent mushiness.
• Master Roux Technique: Watch butter and flour mixture carefully, stirring consistently to achieve a light golden color without burning, which develops rich foundational flavor.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk sauce continuously while simmering to prevent scorching and ensure smooth, velvety texture that coats ingredients evenly.
• Cheese Melting Secrets: Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation, allowing gradual melting for maximum flavor integration and creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg