In the delightful world of comfort food, the Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan recipe stands out as a quintessential example of home-cooked elegance.
This cherished recipe, perfected by Ina Garten, blends tender chicken and crisp, fresh broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce adorned with a crunchy, cheesy breadcrumb topping.
It’s a dish that not only satisfies the appetite but also brings a touch of gourmet to your dinner table, proving that simplicity and sophistication can indeed go hand in hand.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a comforting meal to share with your family, this recipe promises to deliver warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Personal Experience
I first tried my hand at this recipe on a chilly evening when comfort food seemed like the perfect remedy.
The result was nothing short of delightful, making it a requested favorite at family dinners and potlucks alike.
It’s a dish that stands as a testament to the comfort and simplicity of home cooking.
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Steamer basket
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe – Step by Step Preparation
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Step 2:
Cook the chicken: In a large pot, boil the chicken breasts until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Remove, let cool, and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3:
Steam the broccoli: While the chicken cooks, steam the broccoli florets until just tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4:
Make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Stir in half the cheddar and Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Step 5:
Assemble the dish: In the baking dish, layer the chicken and broccoli. Pour the sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheeses and breadcrumbs.
Step 6:
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Tips for Success
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Keep it slightly undercooked before baking to maintain texture.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For extra crunch, lightly toast breadcrumbs in butter before topping.
- Resting Time: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust thickness by adding more broth for a thinner sauce or more flour for thicker.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle slivered almonds on top for added crunch.
- Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a kick.
- Use Turkey: Substitute chicken with turkey breast for a different flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms or onions to the broccoli layer.
Conclusion
This Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful journey back to the essentials of good cooking.
With its rich flavors and comforting essence, it promises to be a star on your dining table, earning praise and requests for seconds.
Whether for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this dish will not disappoint.
FAQsi
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Chicken Divan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed.
The dish can also be frozen for up to a month; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Divan?
Traditional side dishes that pair well with Chicken Divan include steamed rice, quinoa, or a light, leafy green salad.
For a heartier meal, consider serving it with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt the Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan recipe to be gluten-free. Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the sauce and opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
Ensure all other ingredients, such as chicken broth, are gluten-free as well.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of Chicken Divan, use plant-based milk alternatives such as almond or coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and substitute vegan cheese for the regular cheese.
Be sure to choose a plant-based butter or oil for cooking to keep it entirely dairy-free.
Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Steamer basket
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large head of broccoli cut into florets
- 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1 cup of Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Cook the chicken: In a large pot, boil the chicken breasts until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Remove, let cool, and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Steam the broccoli: While the chicken cooks, steam the broccoli florets until just tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Stir in half the cheddar and Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble the dish: In the baking dish, layer the chicken and broccoli. Pour the sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheeses and breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Keep it slightly undercooked before baking to maintain texture.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For extra crunch, lightly toast breadcrumbs in butter before topping.
- Resting Time: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust thickness by adding more broth for a thinner sauce or more flour for thicker.
