This aromatic chicken casserole blends tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory herbs, baked to perfection. A cozy dish that brings warmth to any table!
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, and cook until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Allow the mixture to simmer for around 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and well incorporated.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and the chicken mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly coated.
8. Transfer the chicken and rice mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
For a fun twist, add some steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas to the casserole.
This casserole can be made ahead of time; simply prepare through step 9 and refrigerate. When ready to bake, follow the remaining instructions.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
To enhance the flavor, you can marinate the chicken chunks in the herbs and spices for an hour before cooking.
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/savory-baked-herb-chicken-casserole/