Rachael's Daytime Talk Show
Clinton Kelly's Chicken Divan Pie -- 02/05/13

Clinton Kelly's Chicken Divan Pie

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk or reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons dry sherry
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) Sargento® 4 State Cheddar Shredded Cheese, divided
  • 1 to 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 6-ounce bag baby spinach leaves (4 cups)
  • 2 large carrots, grated
  • 1/4 cup dried currants or golden raisins
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (1/2 of a 17.3oz. package)

Yields: 6

Preparation

Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Stir in milk or stock; bring to a simmer, whisking frequently. Simmer until sauce thickens, 2-3 minutes. Stir in sherry; simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in 1 cup of the cheese until cheese melts.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add chicken; sauté 3 minutes. Add thyme, salt and pepper; sauté 3 minutes or just until chicken is no longer pink (chicken will continue cooking during baking time). Stir in spinach, carrots and currants; sauté just until spinach is wilted, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese sauce, mixing well. Transfer mixture to an 11x7-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over mixture. Place dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any juices while baking.

Unfold puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out to 11x8-inch rectangle. Place pastry over chicken mixture, turning edges under to fit dish. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 16-18 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over pastry; let stand 8 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cut pastry into 6 squares with serrated knife. Use a large spoon to dish out each serving.