Are you looking for a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family? Look no further than this delicious Swiss Chicken Casserole recipe! Packed with tender chicken breasts, gooey Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving some home-cooked comfort food, this casserole is the perfect choice. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this irresistible dish!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups herb-seasoned stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Season them with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer each chicken breast with 2 slices of Swiss cheese.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and milk. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- In another bowl, combine the herb-seasoned stuffing mix and melted butter. Stir until the stuffing mix is evenly coated with butter.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Sprinkle the buttered stuffing mix evenly over the chicken breasts and sauce in the baking dish.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add some veggies to this casserole for extra nutrition and flavor. Broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers would all be great additions.
- Try Different Cheeses: While Swiss cheese adds a deliciously creamy texture to this casserole, you can experiment with other cheeses as well. Gruyere, provolone, or mozzarella would all work beautifully.
- Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can use gluten-free stuffing mix or breadcrumbs as a substitute for the herb-seasoned stuffing mix.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here are some modifications you can make to adapt this Swiss Chicken Casserole:
- Use Almond Flour: Instead of using stuffing mix, you can use almond flour seasoned with herbs and spices for a keto-friendly topping.
- Replace Cream of Chicken Soup: Opt for a homemade keto-friendly cream of chicken soup or a low-carb alternative available in stores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? A: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe for ease of preparation, you can certainly use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs if preferred. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this Swiss Chicken Casserole for future meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire casserole to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
In conclusion, this Swiss Chicken Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, melty Swiss cheese, and flavorful sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to serve at gatherings, this casserole fits the bill. Give it a try and enjoy the hearty flavors of this classic comfort food!
