If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal, the Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan recipe might be just what you need. This dish combines tender chicken breast with broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy almond topping, making it an irresistible choice for dinner. It’s a straightforward recipe that promises delicious results without much hassle.
You might have come across this dish at family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. The Chicken Divan is simple to prepare and takes only about 15 minutes to get ready for baking, making it perfect for a busy weekday night.
Whether you pair it with rice, noodles, or freshly baked bread, it’s bound to be a hit at your table.
The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, has a knack for transforming classic recipes into memorable meals, and her version of Chicken Divan is no exception.
This recipe not only warms the stomach but also fills the home with an inviting aroma, ensuring everyone is at the table on time. Enjoy this comforting classic whenever you crave a filling and satisfying meal.
What Makes This Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe Special?
The Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan stands out for its rich, creamy flavor that’s perfect for any comfort food craving. The blend of chicken, broccoli, and a smooth sauce creates a balanced taste that many find irresistible.
Versatile Ingredients: You can use canned chicken or freshly cooked chicken breasts. This flexibility makes it simple to prepare with what you have on hand.
Flavorful Sauce: The sauce combines condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, cheese, and spices like garlic powder. Adding a hint of curry powder can give it a unique twist.
Baking to Perfection: It’s baked until the sauce is bubbly and golden, enhancing the flavors. This method also ensures that the chicken is thoroughly cooked, making it both safe and delicious.
Pairings: Serve this dish with rice, potatoes, or bread for a complete meal. These sides soak up the creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying.
With Ina Garten’s touch, this Chicken Divan recipe combines ease and elegance, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe
To make Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan, you’ll need a mix of fresh and pantry ingredients. This ensures a delicious and comforting dish.
Chicken and Vegetables
- Chicken Breasts: 2 to 3 cups of cubed, cooked chicken
- Broccoli Florets: 2 (10-ounce) packages of frozen broccoli spears or florets
Sauce Components
- Unsalted Butter: For a rich base
- All-Purpose Flour: To thicken the sauce
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture
- Heavy Cream: For a creamy texture
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess to the sauce
- Kosher Salt and Pepper: Season to taste
- Dry Sherry: Optional, for an extra layer of flavor
- Worcestershire Sauce: Optional, adds a savory touch
- Nutmeg: A hint of spice
- Onion and Scallions: For added flavor
Cheeses
- Gruyère Cheese: Melty and savory
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For topping
- Gruyère Cheese: A rich, nutty flavor
Toppings
- Breadcrumbs: For a crispy top layer
- Butter: To mix with breadcrumbs for extra flavor
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and full of flavor.
Step-By-Step Guide To Making Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe
Start by cooking your chicken. You can bake, poach, or grill chicken breasts until they are fully cooked. Once cooled, dice them into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the broccoli. If using fresh broccoli, cut it into florets. For frozen broccoli, use it as it is, since it’s ready to cook.
For the creamy sauce, whisk together condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional curry powder in a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.
Assemble the casserole. Take your 13 x 9-inch baking dish and butter it well. Spread the steamed broccoli evenly across the bottom. Layer the cooked chicken pieces over the broccoli.
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli evenly. This will make sure everything soaks up the flavors, giving you a delicious Chicken Divan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats up, sprinkle some cheese over the top of the casserole for a rich and comforting taste.
Bake the dish for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This will allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Serve your Chicken Divan as a main course. It pairs well with a side of rice or pasta, making it a complete and hearty meal.
Tips For The Perfect Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe
Choose Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh chicken breasts and crisp broccoli. These ingredients will make a big difference in the taste and texture of your dish.
Perfect Your Sauce: Use condensed cream of chicken soup as a base. Mix in cheese, mayonnaise, milk, salt, and pepper. Adding garlic powder and a touch of curry powder can give it an extra kick.
Layering: When assembling the dish, place steamed broccoli at the bottom of the baking dish. This allows the chicken and sauce to infuse the veggies with flavor as they cook.
Cooking Time: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the dish until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes.
Serving Suggestions: Chicken divan pairs well with rice, potatoes, or a slice of crusty bread. This makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Storage: You can make the chicken divan ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat it when you are ready to serve.
How To Customize Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe For Different Diets
You can tweak the Chicken Divan to suit various diets easily. Here’s how you can make it work for vegetarian and gluten-free preferences:
Vegetarian Version:
- Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based protein.
- Use vegan cheese and dairy-free mayonnaise to maintain flavor without animal products.
Gluten-Free Adaptations:
- Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
- Ensure your canned soup is gluten-free, or make your own using gluten-free flour.
Low-Carb Focus:
- Substitute broccoli with cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbs.
- Skip the rice or potatoes; serve with a side of leafy greens instead.
Experiment with these changes to prepare a version that fits your dietary needs without straying far from the original flavor and texture.
Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe Storage And Meal Prep Tips
For easy meal prep, the Chicken Divan can be made ahead of time. Assemble it completely, but don’t bake. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This can be a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting dinner.
Storing Chicken Divan:
- Refrigerator: Once cooked, store Chicken Divan in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure it cools down a bit before refrigerating to avoid moisture buildup.
- Freezer: You can also freeze the dish. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to label it with a date for tracking.
Reheating Tips:
- For the refrigerator-stored Chicken Divan, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- If frozen, it’s best to let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If you’re short on time, bake directly from the freezer, but it will take longer.
Pairing Ideas For Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe
Cooked Rice
Pair your Barefoot Ina Garten Chicken Divan with a side of cooked rice. The creamy sauce from the chicken dish will soak into the rice, adding extra flavor. White or brown rice works well. You can also try basmati or jasmine for a slightly fragrant touch.
A cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch to the meal. Slice fresh cucumbers and mix them with a splash of vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. This light side balances the rich flavors of the Chicken Divan.
Green Beans
Steamed or sautéed green beans make a great addition. They provide a nice textural contrast and add a pop of color. Toss the green beans with some lemon juice and garlic for extra flavor.
Toasted Almonds
Sprinkle toasted almonds over your Chicken Divan just before serving. The nuts add crunch and a subtle nutty flavor, enhancing the dish’s richness. Toast the almonds lightly in a dry pan until they are golden brown.
