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Swiss Chicken Casserole

Swiss Chicken Casserole

Swiss Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish that combines tender boneless, skinless chicken with a rich Swiss cheese sauce, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer and subtle herbs, this easy-to-make casserole delivers warm, cheesy goodness perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for browning)

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

Sauce

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Topping

  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for extra crunch)

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Additional paprika for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the chicken on both sides, cooking until golden but not fully cooked through. Set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until their moisture evaporates and they turn caramelized and golden brown.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the pan and allow it to reduce slightly. Stir in heavy cream or sour cream, then add shredded Swiss cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Place the seared chicken pieces into a baking dish. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the top with seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter if using for extra crunch.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking and tenderness.
  • Use high-quality Swiss cheese for the best melt and flavor.
  • Do not skip browning the chicken; it enhances texture and taste.
  • Adjust cream and broth quantities to keep the sauce creamy but not runny.
  • Mix melted butter into the breadcrumbs for a crunchier, golden topping.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze tightly wrapped casserole for up to 2 months; thaw before baking.
  • Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave in short bursts to keep creaminess intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: Swiss chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken with Swiss cheese