Herb-Infused Chicken Casserole Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to a cozy, comforting dish that brings the flavors of herbs and cheese together in a delightful chicken casserole. This recipe combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables, all baked to perfection under a layer of melted cheese. It’s a dish that promises warmth and satisfaction with every bite.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Chicken Casserole Delight

Boneless chicken breasts provide a lean, protein-rich base for our casserole. Broccoli florets and sliced carrots add a pop of color and a healthy crunch. Chopped onions and minced garlic offer a savory depth of flavor. Our creamy sauce starts with chicken broth and is made luxurious with heavy cream. For herbs, dried thyme and dried oregano offer a fragrant aroma that complements the dish beautifully. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese create a gooey, golden topping, while fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness to finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety.
  • If you prefer a less creamy casserole, reduce the heavy cream by half.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an hour before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it with crusty garlic bread to soak up all the creamy sauce. A glass of chilled white wine complements the dish nicely, balancing the richness of the cheese and cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter for a lighter option.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Add 10 minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold.

Herb-Infused Chicken Casserole Delight Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F, which ensures it's ready for the casserole once assembled. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onions. Let them sauté until the onions turn translucent, releasing a delicious aroma. Next, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook them until they're lightly browned on both sides—about 6 to 8 minutes per side—then set them aside.

In the same pan, toss in the broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they're slightly tender. Now, stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Get a casserole dish ready. Layer the bottom with the cooked rice. Place your browned chicken on top, followed by the creamy vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over everything. Now, bake it in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cheese is golden and bubbly. Just before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and only uses one pan before baking.
  • Packed with nutritious vegetables like broccoli and carrots.
  • The perfect balance of creamy and cheesy without being too rich.
  • Herb-infused flavors make it a unique twist on a classic casserole.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup chopped onions
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup cooked rice
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onions, sauté until onions are translucent.
3. Add chicken breasts and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add broccoli and carrots, sauté for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
5. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. In a casserole dish, layer cooked rice, chicken, and the vegetable mixture.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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