Chicken and Cashew Bake

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Chicken and Cashew Bake, a hearty casserole that's as comforting as it is flavorful. Juicy, golden-browned chicken breasts are nestled in a creamy, thyme-infused sauce loaded with tender sautéed vegetables, then topped with crunchy cashews for a delightful twist. A finishing layer of Parmesan-breadcrumb crust adds savory richness and an irresistible golden crunch. Perfectly balancing creamy, nutty, and savory flavors, this easy-to-make dish bakes to golden perfection in just under an hour. Whether you're feeding the family or entertaining guests, this casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Plus, leftovers reheat wonderfully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cashews
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute.

Step 6

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream, thyme, and remaining salt and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

Place the browned chicken breasts into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the vegetable and sauce mixture over the chicken.

Step 8

Sprinkle the cashews evenly over the top.

Step 9

Mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature) and the top is golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2036.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3536.1

Total Fat 209.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 80.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.8g
Cholesterol 871.6mg	0%
Sodium 5788.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 128.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.5g	0%
Total Sugars 24.1g
Protein 271.4g	0%

Vitamin D 34.8IU	0%
Calcium 791.8mg	0%
Iron 21.1mg	0%
Potassium 3904.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.1%

Protein: 31.2%

Carbs: 14.7%