Chicken With Herbs En Casserole
A hearty casserole featuring tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and aromatic herbs in a creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute bacon in a skillet until crisp; remove and drain on a towel. Crumble the bacon.
- Saute chicken breasts in bacon fat over medium heat until browned. Place in a casserole dish and sprinkle crumbled bacon over top.
- Melt butter in the same skillet after all chicken is cooked, then remove from heat.
- Stir in flour, salt, pepper, celery salt, sage, and thyme into the melted butter.
- Dissolve chicken bouillon cubes in hot water and stir into the skillet mixture, then add milk.
- Stir over low heat until thickened and smooth, being careful to prevent lumps.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the casserole dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 hours, uncovering for the last 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and use low-fat milk. To avoid lumps in your sauce, whisk continuously while adding the flour to the melted butter. This recipe is similar to the classic Idiot-Proof Chicken Casserole, so feel free to experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the savory sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside bread or biscuits for a perfect comfort food experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Herbs En Casserole contains roughly 433 calories, with 4g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1370mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using skin-on chicken will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish. However, be mindful of the cooking time, as skin-on pieces may take slightly longer to cook through. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What if I don't have chicken bouillon cubes?
If you don't have chicken bouillon cubes, you can substitute with homemade chicken broth or stock. Use about 2 cups of broth instead of the hot water and bouillon cubes, which will enhance the flavor of the sauce even further.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through completely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).