Chicken Divan

Once the signature dish of a New York restaurant, the Divan Parisienne, Chicken Divan became a party favorite. Here, its richer elements are streamlined, without sacrificing taste.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 pounds  boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 tablespoon  extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups  diced leek, white and light green parts only (about 1 large)
1/2 teaspoon  salt
5 tablespoons  all-purpose flour
1 14-ounce can  reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup  1% milk
2 tablespoons  dry sherry (see Ingredient note)
1/2 teaspoon  dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon  freshly ground pepper
2 10-ounce boxes  frozen chopped broccoli, thawed, or 1 pound broccoli crowns, chopped
1 cup  grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 cup  reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 teaspoons  Dijon mustard

Tip: To clean leeks: Trim roots and ragged tops. Slice leeks and place in plenty of water, then drain. Repeat a few times. The slices do not absorb water or lose flavor.

The "cooking sherry" sold in many supermarkets can be surprisingly high in sodium. We prefer dry sherry, sold with other fortified wines in your wine or liquor store.

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 7-by-11-inch (2 quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.


Place chicken in a medium skillet or saucepan and add lightly salted water to cover. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and slice into bite-size pieces.


Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add leek and salt and cook, stirring often, until softened but not browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour; stir to coat. Add broth, milk, sherry, thyme and pepper and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Add broccoli; return to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in 1 /2 cup Parmesan, mayonnaise and mustard.


Spread half the broccoli mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with the chicken, then the remaining broccoli mixture. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1 /2 cup Parmesan. Bake until bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.