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Creamy Muenster Chicken Casserole

Creamy Muenster Chicken Casserole
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Creamy Muenster Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, smooth creamy sauce, and mild, melty Muenster cheese. This versatile casserole is perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures with a crispy topping and wholesome ingredients. It’s easy to prepare and customizable to suit various dietary needs and preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

Cheese and Dairy

  • 2 cups shredded Muenster cheese
  • 1 ½ cups milk or cream
  • 2 tbsp butter

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups broccoli florets or fresh spinach (optional)

Topping

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/nuts as alternative)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme. Heat butter or olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove from heat and chop or shred into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the casserole.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same pan, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions are translucent and fragrant. Add optional veggies such as broccoli or spinach and cook briefly until they soften but remain crisp and vibrant.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in milk or cream into the pan and warm gently with the aromatics. Gradually stir in shredded Muenster cheese until fully melted and smooth, forming a luscious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: In a baking dish, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, and creamy cheese sauce. Spread evenly. In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with olive oil and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top for a golden, crunchy crust.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cheese and cream for a smoother melt and better sauce texture.
  • Do not overcook the chicken during searing, as it will bake further in the oven, ensuring juiciness.
  • For extra crunch, toast breadcrumbs lightly in a pan with butter before topping the casserole.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme after baking for a fresh herbal aroma and vibrant presentation.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set properly and ease slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Muenster Chicken Casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, easy family dinner, baked chicken casserole

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/creamy-muenster-chicken-casserole/