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Classic Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole (Easy Weeknight Bake)

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Make this ultimate comfort food casserole tonight. This recipe delivers tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy, curry-spiced cream sauce, ready in under 70 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional)
  • 1 cup crushed butter crackers (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  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 curry powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in the Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
  6. Stir the mayonnaise into the cheese sauce until fully combined. This creates the rich and creamy sauce base.
  7. In a large bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken, the cooked broccoli, and the creamy sauce. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  8. Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese and the slivered almonds, if using, over the top.
  9. Top the casserole evenly with the crushed butter crackers.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly throughout and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute rotisserie chicken for cooked chicken to save preparation time on busy weeknights.
  • For a Paula Deen inspired flavor, increase the curry powder slightly or add a dash of dry sherry to the sauce base.
  • If you prefer a less sharp flavor, use half Cheddar and half Monterey Jack cheese.
  • This dish freezes well; assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/chicken-divan-classic-creamy-casserole-recipe/