French Chicken Casserole Recipe: A Comforting and Flavorful Dish
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.
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.
Notes
To make this French Chicken Casserole even better, try adding fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra flavor, and a splash of white wine or Dijon mustard in the sauce for a French twist. For extra creaminess, mix in some cream cheese or sour cream. Top with crispy breadcrumbs or panko for a crunchy finish, and consider adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added texture and depth. These simple tweaks will elevate the dish and make it irresistible!