Skillet Chicken Divan Recipe

Name: Skillet Chicken Divan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 2 (8 to 9-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided; 3 cups bite-size broccoli florets; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups whole milk; 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened; 3 ounces (about 3/4 cup) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

Chicken divan is the kind of food that you grow up eating and remember fondly, especially if you’re from the Midwest or the South like me. It’s stick-to-your-bones casserole fare, and it’s often made with the help of gelatinous canned soups.

Gone are the days of overcooked broccoli and jiggly, gooey sauces. This skillet version has all of the creaminess and flavor you want from chicken divan but with a deliciously creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken and broccoli. The cook time is shrunk down to 25 minutes, and there’s no need to turn on the oven except for a super quick broil at the end to crisp the topping.

Take chicken divan from weekend to weeknight with this convenient recipe. Serve over rice or egg noodles and the whole family will love it!

Skillet chicken divan in a cast iron skillet (with some already served) at a table setting with a bowl of salad, a bowl of parmesan, a small bowl of chopped parsley, and a utensils — Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Make It Ahead

You can prep this skillet dinner ahead of time, warming it before serving. Prepare the chicken divan up to adding the topping. Scoop into a casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to two days. Let come to room temperature while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Uncover, add the topping, and cook until warmed through. If needed, broil until the top is crisp, about 2 minutes.

Easy Substitutions

Swap the panko for crushed buttery crackers
Replace the parsley with thyme, rosemary, or sage
Use chopped leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken

Chicken Casseroles

Skillet Chicken Divan

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Servings 4 servings

This recipe was developed by Melissa Gray

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 (8 to 9-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
3 cups bite-size broccoli florets
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups whole milk
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
3 ounces (about 3/4 cup) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

Cook the chicken:

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in an even layer and season with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes (chicken will not be fully cooked). Remove the chicken using a slotted spoon (do not wipe the skillet clean), place it on a plate, and set aside.

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Cook the broccoli:

Add the broccoli and 1/4 cup water to the same skillet. Cover and cook over medium-high heat, undisturbed, until the broccoli is crisp-tender and bright green, about 3 minutes. Remove the broccoli using a slotted spoon (do not wipe the skillet clean), and place on the plate with the chicken.

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Preheat the broiler:

Arrange an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
Make the sauce:

Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet over medium heat, about 1 minute. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Finish cooking the chicken:

Stir in the chicken and broccoli and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened and a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of chicken registers 165°F, about 6 minutes.

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Add cheeses and topping and broil:

Remove from the heat and stir in the cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the cheddar, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper until melted and fully combined, about 1 minute.

Stir together the panko, oil, parsley, and remaining 1/4 cup cheddar and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until combined. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken mixture.

Broil in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Garnish with additional parsley and serve.

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Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
660	Calories
42g	Fat
27g	Carbs
44g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories	660
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 42g	54%
Saturated Fat 20g	102%
Cholesterol 169mg	56%
Sodium 953mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate 27g	10%
Dietary Fiber 5g	17%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 44g
Vitamin C 76mg	382%
Calcium 357mg	27%
Iron 3mg	15%
Potassium 781mg	17%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.