Savory Chicken and Bread Casserole

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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This Savory Chicken and Bread Casserole is a comforting dish that brings the family together around the table. It's a delightful mix of tender chicken, hearty bread, and aromatic herbs, making it perfect for cozy dinners. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s your go-to for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Savory Chicken and Bread Casserole

Boneless skinless chicken breasts are a lean choice that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Onion and celery add a classic aromatic base to the dish, while garlic brings depth. Butter enhances the richness of the casserole. Bread cubes, preferably day-old, soak up the flavors and create a satisfying texture. Chicken broth and heavy cream provide moisture and creaminess, while dried sage and thyme offer earthy, warm notes. A touch of salt and black pepper balances the overall flavors. Parmesan cheese gives a savory finish, and fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use day-old bread, as it absorbs the liquid better without getting mushy.
  • For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sautéed vegetables.
  • If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 3 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a touch of sweetness, serve it alongside roasted carrots or a simple apple sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs will add more flavor and moisture to the dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter version.

Savory Chicken and Bread Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it's ready for your casserole. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid browning.

While the veggies are cooking, go ahead and cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and meld perfectly into the casserole.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the bread soaks up all that flavorful liquid.

Fold in the chicken pieces, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This ensures each bite is well-balanced.

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Top it off with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Now, bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You're looking for a golden-brown top and fully cooked chicken. Once done, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines protein and carbs for a well-rounded meal in one dish.
  • Perfect for using up leftover bread.
  • Rich, creamy texture without being overly heavy.
  • Easy to prepare ahead and bake when needed.
  • Kid-friendly flavors that adults will enjoy too.

Ingredients

3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup unsalted butter
12 oz bread cubes (preferably day-old)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and garlic; sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes with sautéed vegetables. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper; mix well.
5. Fold in chicken pieces until evenly distributed.
6. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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