French Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish to bring comfort to your table. With tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce with hearty vegetables, this casserole is the ultimate in comfort food. It’s a flavorful combination of garlic, thyme, rosemary, and Parmesan, all baked together for a satisfying, family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French Chicken Casserole is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The chicken breasts stay moist and tender, while the sauce becomes a delightful, savory concoction thanks to the combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. The added carrots and mushrooms bring extra texture and flavor to the dish, making each bite comforting and satisfying. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the carrots and mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for extra flavor and color.
- Spicy French Chicken Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced chili for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: You can experiment with other herbs like tarragon or parsley to give the sauce a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to double-check the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warm.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly again.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but it will require a bit more cooking time. Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
4. Can I add other types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can try adding mozzarella, Gruyère, or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also check for doneness by cutting into the chicken—it should be opaque and no longer pink inside.
6. Can I use a different kind of broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version, or use cream of chicken soup for a thicker, more indulgent sauce.
7. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots and mushrooms. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using them in the recipe.
8. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the casserole in a slow cooker. Sear the chicken and cook the sauce on the stovetop, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
9. Can I add a crusty topping to this casserole?
Yes, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs or panko on top of the casserole before baking for a crispy, golden finish.
10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream substitute and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
French Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this dish will make your taste buds sing. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or whenever you want to enjoy a cozy, indulgent meal. Give this recipe a try for a comforting, creamy dish that everyone will love!
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French Chicken Casserole
French Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce with hearty vegetables. Flavored with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and Parmesan, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. A satisfying, indulgent meal that’s sure to become a favorite!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the carrots and mushrooms to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in thyme, rosemary, and Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for extra flavor and color.
- Spicy French Chicken Casserole: Add red pepper flakes or a diced chili for some heat.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just ensure that the chicken broth is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-to-Oven
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
