Savory Cherry Chicken Casserole: A Comforting Dish with a Sweet-Tart Twist
This Savory Cherry Chicken Casserole is a comforting, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced dish that brings a new twist to classic chicken casseroles. The cherries add a surprising yet delightful burst of flavor, making this dish stand out in the best way. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Cherries
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup fresh cherries pitted and halved (or ¾ cup dried cherries, soaked)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
For the Sauce
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese optional
For the Casserole Base
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles or rice
- ½ cup chopped pecans or slivered almonds for crunch, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side. They don’t need to be fully cooked—just golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Cherries
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and Dijon mustard. Cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the cherries and cook for 2 minutes, just until they start to release their juices.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, then slowly add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- If using cheese, stir it in now until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked noodles or rice evenly in the greased casserole dish.
- Add the browned chicken on top.
- Pour the cherry sauce mixture evenly over everything.
- Sprinkle with nuts if using.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute increments until heated through. How to Make It Healthier ✔️ Lower the Calories & Fat: Use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Swap cheese for a lighter option like part-skim mozzarella or omit it.
Opt for chicken breast instead of thighs.
✔️ Boost the Fiber: Add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Use brown rice or whole wheat pasta instead of white rice/egg noodles.
✔️ Reduce Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth.
Skip the cheese or reduce the salt in the recipe.
Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute increments until heated through. How to Make It Healthier ✔️ Lower the Calories & Fat: Use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Swap cheese for a lighter option like part-skim mozzarella or omit it.
Opt for chicken breast instead of thighs.
✔️ Boost the Fiber: Add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Use brown rice or whole wheat pasta instead of white rice/egg noodles.
✔️ Reduce Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth.
Skip the cheese or reduce the salt in the recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 475kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9g
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