Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe

This Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan recipe is a creamy, comforting casserole made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

If you’re looking for a comforting, classic casserole that never goes out of style, Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken Divan is a must-try.

This timeless dish combines tender chunks of chicken with crisp-tender broccoli, all smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with golden breadcrumbs.

It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner with the family. Simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—this is comfort food done right.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Comforting and Classic – A nostalgic casserole packed with creamy, cheesy flavor that’s always a family favorite.
• Easy to Make Ahead – Perfect for prepping in advance and baking when you’re ready, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Great Use of Leftover Chicken – A delicious way to repurpose cooked chicken or rotisserie meat into something new and satisfying.
• Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing – Mild flavors and cheesy goodness make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Freezer-Friendly – It stores and freezes beautifully, so you can have a homemade meal ready anytime.

Ina Garten’s Chicken Divan Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast – Tender, flavorful protein base for this hearty casserole.
• Fresh broccoli florets – Bright, crisp veggie that adds color and crunch.
• Mayonnaise – Creamy binder that brings richness and flavor.
• Sour cream – Adds tangy smoothness to the sauce blend.
• Sharp cheddar cheese – Melts into gooey, bold cheesy topping.
• Lemon juice – Brightens flavors and balances the creamy ingredients.
• Salt – Enhances overall taste and seasoning.
• Black pepper – Adds a subtle kick of warm spice.
• Garlic powder – Infuses savory depth without overpowering.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Crunchy topping for golden, crisp finish.
• Butter – Helps brown and flavor the breadcrumb topping.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Chicken Divan

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Fold in the cooked shredded chicken and steamed broccoli, gently mixing until well coated with the sauce. Spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the buttery crumbs over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or over rice if desired!

Ina Garten’s Chicken Divan Recipe Tips

• Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should stay slightly crisp to balance the creamy sauce.
• Mix the mayo and sour cream thoroughly for a smooth, rich sauce.
• For extra cheesiness, add a little Parmesan alongside the cheddar topping.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Store leftover Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe dish or wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated evenly.

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the recipe to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Chicken Divan? It pairs well with rice, a simple green salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise or sour cream? You can use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Not as written, since panko breadcrumbs contain gluten. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.

More Easy Recipes

Gordon Ramsay’s Meatloaf Recipe

Joanna Gaines Meatloaf

Easy Mexican Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Quick And Easy How To Boil Chicken Tenders

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!