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Autumn Chicken and Caramelized Apple Casserole

This chicken casserole combines tender, golden-browned chicken with slices of caramelized apples, layered with warm spices and cheese. The dish is baked until bubbling and golden, showcasing a comforting mixture of savory and sweet flavors with a slightly crispy top.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs or breasts skin-on preferred for flavor
  • 2 large apples preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp, sliced thinly
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
  • 1 pinch nutmeg optional, for warmth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or a mix, for topping
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking chicken
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice optional for added heartiness
  • 1 cup chicken broth for moisture if needed

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Serving spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. This creates a flavorful crust and starts the cooking process.
  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent—about 2-3 minutes. This builds the base flavor for the casserole.
  4. Slice the apples thinly and toss them with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Arrange a layer of apple slices in the bottom of your baking dish, then top with a portion of the sautéed onions and garlic.
  5. Place the seared chicken on top of the apple and onion layers, then scatter cooked rice over the chicken if using. Pour chicken broth over the entire assembly to keep everything moist and flavorful.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of the casserole layer. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is cooked through and the apples are tender, about 35-40 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil and broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown—watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Once cooked, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle. Slice and serve hot, enjoying the blend of savory chicken, sweet apples, and melted cheese with a crispy top.

Notes

Feel free to add herbs like thyme or sage for extra fall flavor. Adjust sweetness by choosing sweeter apples or adding a drizzle of honey before baking.