Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or cream cheese for a thicker texture)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper on each side.
- Make the creamy sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise (or cream cheese), Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Place the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, spreading it evenly to cover all the pieces.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy layer.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce!
Tips for the Best Creamy Baked Chicken Casserole:
- Chicken thickness: For more even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness or use chicken tenderloins.
- Extra flavor: For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to the creamy sauce.
- Vegetable addition: You can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to the dish. Just layer them around the chicken before adding the sauce.
- Make it lighter: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dish without losing creaminess.
Serving Suggestions:
- This creamy chicken casserole pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- For a complete meal, serve it with crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Time:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Enjoy your comforting, creamy chicken casserole! Let me know if you’d like more variations or tips. 😊