A straightforward, fast, dreamy, creamy rooster and broccoli casserole topped with a buttery, crunchy topping. So comforting, so good.

why i really like this recipe

• Nostalgic, basic casserole, identical to mother used to make
• Crowd-pleasing, fast repair dinner
• Good for an enormous household gathering, a brand new mother or a good friend recovering from surgical procedure
• Constructed from scratch (no canned soup right here) and simply as straightforward
• The crunchy, buttery Ritz topping
• Handy make-ahead possibility
• Freezes like a dream for as much as 2 months and reheats fantastically

what’s rooster divan

Hen divan is a basic American casserole that includes rooster, broccoli, a cream sauce, cheese and a crunchy topping similar to buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. It’s named after Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York Metropolis, serving the unique dish within the early twentieth century.

the way to make this nostalgic weeknight-friendly casserole

1. Season the rooster and prepare dinner till golden brown
2. Saute the onion and celery in melted butter (can add frozen broccoli on this step, if utilizing)
3. Stir within the flour (this can assist thicken the casserole)
4. Deglaze the pan, scraping up all of the browned bits for max taste
5. Add all of the liquids right here to maintain issues completely happy and saucy, and simmer till thickened
6. Stir in cheeses, rooster and broccoli
7. Sprinkle with all of the crushed, buttery cracker topping in an excellent layer
8. Bake till bubbly and golden brown

suggestions and methods for achievement

• Use white or darkish meat. Hen breast, tenders and thighs will all work properly right here.
• Shorten prep time. Use leftover rotisserie rooster (skipping step 1 and a couple of) or substitute frozen broccoli to chop down on prep time much more.
• Select a wine you’ll drink. A dry white wine (pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc) is nice right here – it doesn’t should be something fancy or overpriced. Simply one thing you don’t thoughts sipping on since you should have an open bottle.
• Use good-quality inventory. The higher high quality your inventory, the higher your casserole. Many manufacturers like to pack within the salt so all the time go for unsalted or a lower-sodium selection. Do-it-yourself inventory is even higher.
• Freshly grated cheese goes a good distance. Though pre-shredded cheese can save a couple of minutes within the kitchen, pre-shredded cheese comprises anti-caking brokers to stop clumping – this will hinder its capacity to soften correctly. Freshly grated cheese is not going to solely have a greater taste profile, however it’ll additionally soften extra easily and evenly, yielding a much more superior rooster divan.
• Prime with buttery spherical crackers. Some recipes name for potato chips or breadcrumbs, however crushed crackers (we love Ritz) tossed with melted butter is a long-time custom, leading to that favorited crispy, buttery goodness.
• Combine it up. Swap out the broccoli for various greens similar to cauliflower, zucchini, carrots and peas.
• Serve with crusty bread. Serve with all of the selfmade crusty bread for dipping, sopping and dunking!
• Freeze earlier than baking. It will assist protect the feel and stop sogginess. At all times use a freezer-safe baking dish, label, date and freeze as much as 2 months.