Description
This French Chicken Casserole is a creamy, savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a fragrant herb-infused sauce with mushrooms, carrots, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked to achieve a rich, bubbly finish, it’s an elegant yet simple meal ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Liquids and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and mushrooms to the skillet. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Bake: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Transfer the entire skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use a large oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- If preferred, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Can be served with rice, crusty bread, or a side of steamed vegetables.
- For additional flavor, add a splash of white wine when making the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
