Skillet Chicken Divan

01Method

1. 1

   Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes (the chicken will not be fully cooked through at this point). Transfer with a slotted spoon to a plate and set aside; leave the skillet as is.

2. 2

   Add the broccoli florets and water to the same skillet, cover, and cook over medium-high heat without stirring until the broccoli is crisp-tender and bright green, about 3 minutes. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and place it on the plate alongside the chicken; do not clean the skillet.

3. 3

   Position an oven rack approximately 6 inches from the broiler heat source and preheat the broiler.

4. 4

   Melt the remaining butter in the skillet over medium heat, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and continue whisking for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.

5. 5

   Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and a thermometer inserted into the thickest piece of chicken reads 165°F, about 6 minutes.

6. 6

   Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cream cheese, half of the cheddar, the remaining salt, and the remaining pepper until fully melted and combined, about 1 minute. In a small bowl, mix together the panko, olive oil, parsley, and the remaining cheddar and salt until evenly combined. Scatter this topping over the chicken mixture and broil until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Finish with additional parsley before serving.