Chicken Divan

By á-830

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch broccoli, trimmed and cut into 4 inch long spears
• 1/2 stick unsalted butter, diced
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup well chilled heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons medium-dry sherry
• Fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 whole boneless, skinless chickens breasts (about 1 1/2 lb. total), cooked and sliced thin

Preparation

Step 1

In a large saucepan of boiling, salted water, cook broccoli for 6-8 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside, covered.

In a heavy saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add flour and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add broth and bring mixture to a boil. Cook on low, stirring, for 10 minutes, or until thick.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form then add flour mixture, along with sherry and lemon juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper.

Arrange broccoli on a flameproof platter. Top with half the sauce. Stir ¼ cup Parmesan cheese into other half of sauce, pour remaining sauce over top, and sprinkle mixture with remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.

Broil, about 6 inches from heat for about 1 minute or until sauce is golden and bubbling.