Chicken Apple Casserole
Savor the heartwarming flavors of fall with this Chicken Apple Casserole, a cozy and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, sweet-tart apples, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfectly seasoned with dried thyme and enriched with sharp cheddar, this casserole is topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and firm apples creates a savory-sweet balance that takes this comfort food to the next level. Ideal for weeknight dinners or as a show-stopping addition to your holiday table, this easy chicken casserole recipe is ready in just over an hour and serves up to four hearty portions. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, wholesome meal! Perfect for searches like "savory apple recipes" or "easy fall casseroles," this dish is a must-try for fans of unique, flavor-forward comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium firm apples, cored and sliced (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside (it will finish cooking in the oven).
Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the sliced apples to the skillet and sprinkle with dried thyme. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly tender.
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion and apple mixture. Stir well to coat, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Transfer the sautéed apple mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2888 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 155.1 g | 199% | |
| Saturated Fat | 73.5 g | 368% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 894 mg | 298% | |
| Sodium | 4657 mg | 202% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 105.4 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.5 g | ||
| Protein | 257.6 g | 515% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1018 mg | 78% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 2956 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
