Chicken breasts, broccoli, and mushrooms are smothered in a creamy Mornay sauce and topped with a blanket of cheesy breadcrumbs in this classic Chicken Divan.
Ingredients
-
1 bunch broccoli (1 ½ pounds), cut into florets (about 5 cups)
-
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons melted
-
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut crosswise into ½-inch-thick strips
-
1 small onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
-
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (about 2 ½ cups)
-
3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
-
3 cups whole milk, room temperature
-
9 ounces shredded medium-sharp cheddar (3 cups)
-
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
-
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
-
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
-
½ cup sour cream
-
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
-
Cooked egg noodles or steamed white rice, for serving
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large straight-sided skillet, simmer 1/2 cup water over medium-high heat, then add broccoli and a pinch of salt. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until crisp-tender, about 6 minutes. Drain well, then transfer to a large bowl; set aside. Wipe out skillet.
-
Pat chicken dry; season with salt and pepper. Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken and cook, turning once, until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken; set aside.
-
3. In same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter, then add onion and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and starting to brown, 6 to 7 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Slowly add milk, reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 9 minutes. Add 2 cups cheese, Dijon, Worcestershire, cayenne, and sour cream; stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Add cheese sauce to bowl with broccoli, followed by chicken and accumulated juices; toss to combine. Transfer to a 2 1/2-quart baking dish.
-
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons melted butter, panko, and remaining 1 cup cheese. Sprinkle over broccoli-and-chicken mixture. Bake until bubbly and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes, then serve over noodles or rice.
Bryan Gardner