Making Midwest Country Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to prepare it step by step:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should be just about done, but it will continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t need to worry about overcooking it at this stage. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest while you prepare the mushroom sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and browned. You want to cook out any moisture from the mushrooms, allowing them to become golden and flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the mushrooms are cooked, pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or cubes. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange the sliced chicken in a single layer. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken, spreading it evenly to coat the pieces.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the breadcrumb mixture, stirring to combine. Sprinkle the cheesy breadcrumb topping evenly over the chicken and mushroom sauce in the casserole dish.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned, giving the dish a beautiful finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set before serving. Scoop generous portions onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve this creamy, comforting dish with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Serving and Storage
Midwest Country Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some suggestions for serving and storing this delicious casserole:
Serving Suggestions
For a hearty meal, serve this casserole alongside mashed potatoes or rice. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with these sides, and they help soak up every last drop of the delicious broth. You can also serve it with a side of green beans, roasted carrots, or a mixed salad for added color and freshness.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, given how delicious this dish is!), you can store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the crispy topping may lose some of its texture.
If you’d like to freeze the casserole, prepare it as directed, but do not bake it. Instead, cover the unbaked casserole tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour, or until heated through and the topping is golden.
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