If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful meal to serve for dinner, look no further than this French Chicken Casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a variety of French-inspired ingredients to create a dish that will surely become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight or even a special occasion. The hearty, rich flavors of this casserole will have everyone asking for seconds.
This French Chicken Casserole is not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can use different vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. The dish is perfect for meal prep and can be easily reheated, making it a go-to for busy families. Whether you serve it with a side of rice, potatoes, or a simple salad, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
With its comforting texture and delicious flavors, this casserole will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of France. Keep reading to discover why this recipe will become your new go-to for an easy yet impressive dinner.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with making this French Chicken Casserole. First and foremost, it’s a one-dish wonder that simplifies meal preparation and cleanup. The creamy sauce infused with French herbs like thyme and rosemary adds depth and sophistication, making this casserole much more than just a simple chicken bake.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its adaptability. You can swap ingredients based on what you have in the pantry or fridge. For example, if you prefer a different protein, turkey or even pork can be used instead of chicken. Additionally, vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be added to boost the nutrition content while maintaining the French-inspired flavor profile.
The casserole also provides great balance: protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the creamy sauce, and fiber from any vegetables you decide to include. It’s both filling and flavorful, without requiring hours of preparation in the kitchen.
The simple but delicious flavors of this dish make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or dinner parties. Even picky eaters will enjoy the mild yet savory taste, making it an excellent choice for all ages. When you serve this French Chicken Casserole, you’re sure to be met with smiles and compliments at the dinner table!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to tast
Equipment Used
- Skillet: A large, non-stick skillet is essential for browning the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic. It’s also perfect for making the creamy sauce.
- Casserole Dish: A 9×13-inch casserole dish is ideal for baking the casserole. You can use glass or ceramic, which helps retain the heat and ensures even cooking.
- Knife: A sharp knife will be needed for slicing the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, as well as dicing the onions and garlic.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is necessary for prepping your vegetables and chicken safely.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy with your ingredients, measuring cups and spoons are important when adding the cream, broth, cheese, and seasonings.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula is great for stirring the sauce in the skillet and mixing everything together in the casserole dish.
- Oven: The casserole will need to be baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Meat Thermometer (optional): To ensure that your chicken is cooked through perfectly, a meat thermometer can be used to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Directions & Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the casserole: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and place them in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring everything is covered. Add the spinach (if using) and stir gently.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
This French Chicken Casserole is a satisfying and hearty dish, perfect for a balanced meal. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
This casserole provides a good balance of protein and healthy fats, with a moderate amount of carbs. It’s a great option for those on low-carb or keto diets, as the majority of the calories come from protein and fats.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, including chicken broth and seasonings.
- Add More Veggies: Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or cauliflower for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this casserole. They add more flavor and remain juicy after baking.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
Pro Tips By Emma
- For extra flavor: Brown the chicken slightly more before assembling the casserole to bring out deeper flavors.
- For creamy texture: If you want a richer, creamier casserole, consider adding a small block of cream cheese to the sauce before baking.
- Perfectly cooked chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your French Chicken Casserole with a light, fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. A side of roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables would also complement the flavors beautifully. If you’re looking to make it a more indulgent meal, serve with buttery mashed potatoes or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water would make an excellent pairing.
French Chicken Casserole Recipe: A Comforting and Flavorful Dish
Equipment
- Skillet: A large, non-stick skillet is essential for browning the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic. It’s also perfect for making the creamy sauce.
- Casserole Dish: A 9x13-inch casserole dish is ideal for baking the casserole. You can use glass or ceramic, which helps retain the heat and ensures even cooking.
- Knife: A sharp knife will be needed for slicing the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, as well as dicing the onions and garlic.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is necessary for prepping your vegetables and chicken safely.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy with your ingredients, measuring cups and spoons are important when adding the cream, broth, cheese, and seasonings.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula is great for stirring the sauce in the skillet and mixing everything together in the casserole dish.
- Oven: The casserole will need to be baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Meat Thermometer (optional): To ensure that your chicken is cooked through perfectly, a meat thermometer can be used to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach optional
- Salt and pepper to tast
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the casserole: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and place them in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring everything is covered. Add the spinach (if using) and stir gently.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.