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

why i really like this recipe

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

what’s hen divan

Rooster divan is a traditional American casserole that includes hen, broccoli, a cream sauce, cheese and a crunchy topping reminiscent of 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.

make this nostalgic weeknight-friendly casserole

1. Season the hen and cook 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 (it will 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 comfortable and saucy, and simmer till thickened
6. Stir in cheeses, hen 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 fulfillment

• Use white or darkish meat. Rooster breast, tenders and thighs will all work properly right here.
• Shorten prep time. Use leftover rotisserie hen (skipping step 1 and a pair 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’ll 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 at all times go for unsalted or a lower-sodium selection. Do-it-yourself inventory is even higher.
• Freshly grated cheese goes a great distance. Though pre-shredded cheese can save a couple of minutes within the kitchen, pre-shredded cheese accommodates anti-caking brokers to forestall clumping – this could hinder its potential to soften correctly. Freshly grated cheese won’t solely have a greater taste profile, however it should additionally soften extra easily and evenly, yielding a much more superior hen 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 reminiscent of cauliflower, zucchini, carrots and peas.
• Serve with crusty bread. Serve with all of the home made crusty bread for dipping, sopping and dunking!
• Freeze earlier than baking. This can assist protect the feel and forestall sogginess. All the time use a freezer-safe baking dish, label, date and freeze as much as 2 months.