Fall Apple and Sage Chicken Casserole
This casserole combines tender pieces of chicken with sweet apples, fragrant sage, and a creamy sauce, layered and baked until bubbling with a golden, crispy topping. The dish features a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors, with a hearty and comforting texture that is both soft and slightly crisp on top.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks
- 2 large apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Gruyère works well
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- In a mixing bowl, toss sliced apples and chopped sage with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread the mixture out on the bottom of your baking dish.2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- Layer the browned chicken pieces over the apple and sage mixture.2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- Pour heavy cream evenly over the assembled ingredients, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top.2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- In a small bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes; this helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh sage or chopped herbs if desired, then serve hot and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors and textures.2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
