Chicken Casserole Base
This Chicken Casserole Base recipe is a versatile and flavorful foundation for countless comforting meals. Made with tender, golden-seared chicken breasts, a rich and creamy homemade sauce infused with garlic, onion, and a hint of thyme, this dish is perfect on its own or as the starting point for your favorite casserole combinations. The sauce achieves its velvety texture with a blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, and optional shredded cheese for added indulgence. Ready in just under an hour, this adaptable recipe can be customized with vegetables, rice, or pasta for a hearty dinner that the whole family will love. Whether you're meal prepping or crafting a crowd-pleasing casserole, this recipe is a kitchen essential!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Sear the chicken in the skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps, then stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
Optional: Stir in shredded cheese for a creamier sauce.
Cut the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the casserole dish. Pour the prepared sauce over the top, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving or using as a base for additional casserole ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2228 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 163.0 g | 209% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.9 g | 410% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 658 mg | 219% | |
| Sodium | 4178 mg | 182% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.7 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.8 g | ||
| Protein | 132.9 g | 266% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 538 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1590 mg | 34% | |
*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.
