Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe: Creamy Comfort Food Masterpiece

I’m excited to share my take on the classic Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan recipe, a creamy comfort food masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish is a staple of Ina Garten’s culinary repertoire, and for good reason – it’s rich, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.

This recipe delivers on its promise of comfort food, with tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce all coming together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan

Gather these ingredients for a creamy, comforting Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan.

The chicken matters here. Look for plump, organic breasts at the grocery store or butcher. Most stores have them pre-cut, which saves time. For the broccoli, fresh is ideal but frozen works in a pinch. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before steaming.

No heavy cream? Half-and-half is a decent substitute, though it’s not as rich. For the cheese, sharp cheddar gives more flavor than mild. If you’re out of nutmeg, a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk with a roux to thicken.

This reheats beautifully—honestly tastes better the next day. Keeps 3-4 days in the fridge, freezes for 2 months. I portion mine into containers so lunches are sorted for the week. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Chicken Divan

Follow these straightforward steps to create a comforting, creamy Chicken Divan that’ll become a family favorite.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that’s heating up, steam the 4 cups Broccoli Florets until they’re tender but still crisp. I like to use a steamer basket for this—it helps preserve that bright green color. Set the broccoli aside once it’s done.

Next, season the 1.5 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts with 1 tsp Salt and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly on both sides. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Make the Roux

In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter. Once melted, whisk in the 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly golden and has a nutty aroma. This step is crucial for thickening your sauce.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Gradually pour in the 1 cup Chicken Broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the 1 cup Heavy Cream and 1 tsp Dijon Mustard. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. Season with 0.25 tsp Freshly Grated Nutmeg to add depth to the dish.

Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the 1 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese and 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese until they’re fully melted and the sauce is smooth. This cheesy sauce is what makes Chicken Divan so comforting and indulgent.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange the steamed broccoli in an even layer. Slice the rested chicken into strips and layer it over the broccoli. Pour the creamy sauce over the top, ensuring everything is well coated.

Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese is melted and slightly browned on top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the Chicken Divan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect as is, but you can also serve it with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. The combination of tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce is sure to be a hit with your family or guests.

Essential Equipment for barefoot contessa chicken divan

Essential Cooking Vessels

For this recipe, you’ll need a large skillet for cooking the chicken and making the roux. I prefer a 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel pan as they distribute heat evenly. Make sure it’s deep enough to hold all the sauce ingredients without overflowing. 🔥

Baking Dish Requirements

A 9×13 inch baking dish is crucial for assembling and baking the Chicken Divan. I recommend using a dish made of ceramic or glass as they allow for even heating and are easy to clean. Avoid using metal pans that can react with acidic ingredients.

Steaming Equipment

To steam the broccoli, you’ll need a steamer basket that fits into a pot. I like using a collapsible silicone steamer as it’s easy to store and clean. If you don’t have one, a regular metal steamer works just as well. The key is to keep the broccoli tender but crisp.

Mixing and Measuring Tools

Have a whisk on hand for mixing the sauce, and a set of measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements. I prefer using stainless steel measuring cups as they’re durable and easy to clean.

Temperature Control

A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. I recommend using a digital instant-read thermometer for quick and accurate readings. This helps prevent overcooking the chicken.

Additional Tools

Other useful tools include a cutting board for preparing the chicken and broccoli, and a sharp knife for slicing the chicken. Having these tools on hand will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions