Description
A comforting French Chicken Casserole featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce of mushrooms, carrots, and Parmesan cheese, infused with aromatic thyme and rosemary. Perfectly baked to bring out rich flavors, this dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add sliced carrots and mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in dried thyme, dried rosemary, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Bake: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Use a skillet safe for oven use, such as cast iron or oven-proof stainless steel.
- If heavy cream is not available, use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but expect a slightly less rich flavor.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a more robust flavor; adjust quantities accordingly.
- This casserole pairs well with steamed rice, crusty bread, or a light green salad.
