When the weather starts to turn cooler, there’s nothing quite like a comforting casserole to warm you up from the inside out. This Hearty Chicken Casserole recipe is a perfect blend of tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and creamy sauce, all baked together until golden and bubbly. This dish is a family favorite that is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Let’s dive in and whip up this delicious and satisfying casserole!
Hearty Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for another minute to get rid of the raw taste of the flour.
6. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps from forming. Add the heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens slightly.
7. Stir in the cooked rice, frozen peas, and the previously cooked chicken. Mix everything together until well combined.
8. Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
9. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley before dishing it up.
This Hearty Chicken Casserole is a delicious one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Packed full of wholesome ingredients and cozy flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your table!
