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Fall Chicken Casserole with Apples and Herbs

This fall-inspired chicken casserole combines tender baked chicken with sliced apples, earthy herbs, and a creamy sauce. The dish is assembled in layers and baked until bubbling and golden, resulting in a hearty, aromatic meal with contrasting textures of crispy apples and tender chicken.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts patted dry
  • 2 apples sliced thinly, preferably crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme if available
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup cream of chicken soup or homemade thickened chicken gravy
  • 1/2 cup milk to thin the sauce slightly
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for topping
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted, for breadcrumb topping
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Baking dish or casserole dish
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and cinnamon on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This helps develop a flavorful crust. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with milk, stirring until smooth to create a creamy sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the seared chicken in the baking dish.
  4. Arrange the thinly sliced apples over the chicken and sauce, evenly distributing them to add a sweet, crunchy element that cooks alongside the chicken.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and finish with a light dusting of breadcrumbs. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
  6. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the sauce is bubbling, and the topping is golden brown. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  7. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot, enjoying the aroma of herbs, baked apples, and rich cheese combined with tender chicken.

Notes

Feel free to customize by adding other seasonal vegetables or swapping cheeses. Adjust cinnamon for a milder or stronger flavor. Using crisp apple varieties will give the best contrast in texture.