Savory Baked Herb Chicken Casserole
A hearty dish that combines tender chicken with creamy sauce, rice, and a crispy topping, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- To taste Salt and pepper
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- For garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, and cook until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for around 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and the chicken mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken and rice mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Topping and Baking
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Dijon mustard and spices for a few hours before cooking. You can use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist. Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition and color.