Chicken Divan

(7)
Prep Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 35 mins
Yield:
6 to 8 Serves

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

  • teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • Cooked egg noodles or steamed white rice, for serving

Directions

  1. 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.

  2. 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. 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.

  4. 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.

    chicken divan
    Bryan Gardner

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