Chicken Divan with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400g / 14oz) 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400g / 14oz)
• 2 cups (200g) broccoli florets 2 cups (200g) broccoli florets
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for cooking Olive oil, for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 18g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. 5.
   Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
7. 7.
   Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
8. 8.
   Steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
9. 9.
   Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Arrange the steamed broccoli florets on top.
10. 10.
    Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring they are fully covered.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and golden.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — To ensure juicy and tender chicken, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
• Broccoli florets — Steam the broccoli until it is tender-crisp to maintain its vibrant color and retain its nutrients.

Tips & Tricks

• For a healthier version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Feel free to add some extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Sprinkle some breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a crispy crust.
• Serve the dish with a side of rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Broccoli Chicken Bake hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation advice

To present the dish beautifully, arrange the chicken breasts on a serving platter and place the steamed broccoli florets on top. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or a sprig of fresh herbs. Serve it in individual baking dishes for an elegant touch.