Barefoot Contessa’s Cozy Chicken Divan Recipe for Dinner Joy

Dive into a culinary classic that promises pure comfort with this Barefoot Contessa chicken divan recipe that’s been delighting home cooks for years.

Tender chicken meets creamy sauce in a casserole that feels like a warm embrace from the kitchen.

Broccoli adds a vibrant green touch to this hearty dish, creating layers of flavor and texture.

The rich, cheesy surface beckons with golden-brown promises of deliciousness.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a meal that speaks directly to your hunger and soul.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings both benefit from this timeless recipe that never fails to satisfy.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan

• Broccoli Florets: Vibrant green vegetable bringing crunch and nutrition, select fresh and firm florets with bright color and no yellowing.
• Cooked Chicken: Protein-packed main ingredient, choose tender and well-seasoned chicken breast or thigh meat for maximum flavor.

• Butter: Rich foundation for sauce, select high-quality unsalted butter for smooth texture.
• Fresh Sage: Aromatic herb adding earthy depth, choose bright green leaves with strong fragrance.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent creating silky sauce consistency, ensure fresh and lump-free.
• Whole Milk: Creamy liquid base providing smoothness, select full-fat milk for richer flavor.
• Double Cream: Luxurious addition enhancing sauce's richness, opt for highest butterfat content.
• Sherry, Chicken Broth: Flavor-boosting liquid adding complexity, choose high-quality, preservative-free options.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning enhancing overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper.

• Gruyere Cheese: Nutty, melty cheese creating depth, select aged variety for intense flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese adding crispy texture, choose freshly grated for best results.
• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy topping providing textural contrast, select fine, dry breadcrumbs.

Must-Have Tools for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan

• Large Saucepan: Essential for boiling broccoli and creating creamy sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending butter, flour, and incorporating liquids without lumps.
• 3-Quart Casserole Dish: Key for baking and serving the chicken divan.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping sage and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop sage and prepare broccoli florets.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Colander: Used for draining boiled broccoli.

How to Cook Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to create the perfect environment for a delicious comfort meal. Lightly coat a casserole dish with a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.

• Broccoli Readiness

Soften fresh broccoli in boiling water until it reaches a tender-crisp texture. Drain and set aside, preserving its vibrant green color and nutrients.

• Creamy Sauce Foundation

In a cozy saucepan, melt butter and introduce a hint of sage for depth. Sprinkle in flour, whisking gently to create a golden roux that will thicken the sauce beautifully.

• Liquid Magic

Slowly pour in milk and cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety base. Watch as the sauce transforms into a rich, luxurious mixture.

• Flavor Enhancement

Splash in some sherry for a sophisticated touch. Season with salt and pepper to awaken the sauce’s hidden flavors.

• Cheese Transformation

Fold in Gruyere, letting it melt into a silky blanket of cheesy goodness. The cheese will bring a nutty, complex flavor to the dish.

• Protein and Vegetable Harmony

Gently combine tender chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli with the creamy sauce. Ensure every piece is lovingly coated.

• Final Touches

Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish, creating a hearty casserole that promises comfort and satisfaction.

• Baking Brilliance

Sprinkle Parmesan and breadcrumbs on top for a golden, crispy crown. Bake until the casserole is bubbling and the top is beautifully bronzed.

Enhancements & Add-ons for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan

• Swap Gruyere for sharp cheddar, fontina, or a blend of cheeses to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Incorporate diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or sliced turkey alongside chicken for extra protein and a delightful meat variation.
• Experiment with different breadcrumb alternatives like crushed crackers, panko, or toasted almond slivers to add exciting texture and depth to the casserole's crispy layer.
• Reduce calories by using half-and-half instead of double cream, choosing low-fat cheese options, and increasing the proportion of broccoli to create a more vegetable-forward dish.
• Elevate the recipe's aromatics by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or a sprinkle of dried herbes de Provence to introduce complex, sophisticated flavor notes that complement the chicken and cheese.

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm, crusty French baguette or artisan bread to soak up the creamy, cheesy sauce and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to bring a bright, fresh flavor and pop of color to the rich casserole.
• Create a Complete Meal: Add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and provide a refreshing side that cuts through the creamy texture.
• Complement with White Wine: Pour a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the meal's flavors and provide a sophisticated dining experience.

Storage and Prep Advice for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze for Later: Prepare a double batch and freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Reheat Carefully: Thaw frozen chicken divan overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore sauce consistency if needed.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to the original cooking time to ensure thorough heating.

Creamy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s barefoot contessa chicken divan offers a creamy, comforting casserole with tender chicken and broccoli. Cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumbs elevate this classic dish that you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 900g (2 lbs) cooked, diced chicken
• 280g (10 oz) frozen broccoli spears or florets
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into 1- to 2-inch florets (about 5 cups / 500g)
• 350g (12.5 oz) cooked rice
• 100g (3.5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 50g (1.75 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• 70g (2.5 oz) unsalted butter
• 40g (1.4 oz) all-purpose flour
• 240ml (8 fl oz) low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsps dry sherry (or chicken broth)
• 240ml (8 fl oz) milk
• 240ml (8 fl oz) double cream
• 25g (0.9 oz) breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• Kosher salt
• 1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F and butter a 2.8-liter casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Broccoli Blanching: Briefly boil broccoli florets until crisp-tender, then drain and set aside, preserving their vibrant green color and nutrients.
3. Roux Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, infuse with sage, then whisk in flour, cooking until the mixture develops a golden, aromatic base with a nutty undertone.
4. Sauce Development: Gradually pour milk and cream into the roux, stirring continuously to create a silky, luxurious sauce. Season with sherry, salt, and black pepper, ensuring smooth incorporation.
5. Cheese Integration: Gently fold Gruyere cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and achieving a rich, creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
6. Assembling Casserole: Combine cooked chicken and blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients and flavors.
7. Topping and Baking: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, creating a golden, crispy exterior. Bake for 35 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the casserole is heated through completely.

Notes

• Blanch Broccoli Perfectly: Briefly cook florets in boiling water to maintain vibrant color, crisp texture, and preserve nutrients, ensuring they don’t become mushy or lose their bright green hue.
• Master the Roux Technique: Whisk flour and butter consistently to create a smooth, golden base that eliminates raw flour taste and provides rich, velvety sauce consistency.
• Select Cheese Wisely: Use high-quality Gruyere and Parmesan for deep, nutty flavor profiles that elevate the dish’s overall taste and create a luxurious creamy texture.
• Achieve Golden Crispy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs and Parmesan evenly for a crunchy, appetizing golden-brown crust that adds delightful textural contrast to the creamy casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 150mg