Chicken Apple Casserole

Savor the heartwarming flavors of fall with this Chicken Apple Casserole, a cozy and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, sweet-tart apples, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfectly seasoned with dried thyme and enriched with sharp cheddar, this casserole is topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and firm apples creates a savory-sweet balance that takes this comfort food to the next level. Ideal for weeknight dinners or as a show-stopping addition to your holiday table, this easy chicken casserole recipe is ready in just over an hour and serves up to four hearty portions. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, wholesome meal! Perfect for searches like "savory apple recipes" or "easy fall casseroles," this dish is a must-try for fans of unique, flavor-forward comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium firm apples, cored and sliced (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside (it will finish cooking in the oven).

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Add the sliced apples to the skillet and sprinkle with dried thyme. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly tender.

Step 6

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion and apple mixture. Stir well to coat, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 7

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.

Step 8

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Transfer the sautéed apple mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 11

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 12

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1919.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2888.5

Total Fat 155.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 893.6mg	0%
Sodium 4656.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 105.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g	0%
Total Sugars 45.5g
Protein 257.6g	0%

Vitamin D 31.0IU	0%
Calcium 1018.5mg	0%
Iron 12.2mg	0%
Potassium 2956.4mg	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: 49.0%

Protein: 36.2%

Carbs: 14.8%