Hey there, friends!
Are you in the mood for a cozy, comforting meal? I’ve got something special for you!
Today, I’m excited to share my Swiss Chicken Casserole recipe.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for those chilly nights.
Easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!
Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredient Substitutions
For a dairy-free alternative, replace Swiss cheese with a plant-based cheese substitute made from cashews or coconut oil. These options melt well and provide a similar creamy texture. Adjust the amount to taste, as plant-based cheeses can vary in flavor intensity. Sour cream can be substituted with unsweetened coconut yogurt or cashew cream, maintaining the tangy flavor and creamy consistency. Use an equal amount of the chosen alternative. For a lower-carb option, replace panko crumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. These alternatives provide a crispy texture while reducing carbohydrate content. Adjust the quantity as needed to achieve desired coverage and crunch. When using almond flour, you may need to increase baking time slightly to ensure proper browning.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45-50 minutes |
| Total Time | 60-70 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 100-110 g
- Fat: 80-90 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Ingredients
For the cheese sauce:
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 4 tbsp plain flour
- 4 slices swiss cheese
- 2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (I like Kerrygold unsalted butter for this)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat for richness)
For the breadcrumb topping:
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1/2 cup panko crumbs (for a crispier topping)
For the chicken:
- 1 tsp ground black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 4 slices swiss cheese
- 4 medium chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
For garnish:
- chopped parsley (freshly chopped for vibrant color)
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Casserole Dish
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
While the oven is heating, butter the bottom of a 9×11 inch casserole dish.
This will help prevent sticking and make for an easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium-sized pot, heat some butter over medium-high heat.
Once melted, whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
Gradually add the chicken stock while continuing to whisk.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, whisking continuously until the stock thickens into a smooth sauce.
Tear the Swiss cheese slices into smaller pieces and add them to the pot, stirring until melted and blended into the sauce.
Finally, add the sour cream and stir once more for a creamy finish.
Step 3: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning.
Mix these ingredients together to create a flavorful breadcrumb topping for your casserole.
Step 4: Prepare the Chicken
Gently pound the thickest part of the chicken breasts using the palm of your hand or a meat mallet to even out their thickness.
This ensures even cooking.
Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour half of the prepared cheese sauce into the buttered casserole dish.
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts over the sauce, and top each piece of chicken with a piece of Swiss cheese.
Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly around the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
Then, sprinkle the prepared buttered breadcrumbs over the chicken to add a crunchy topping.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, and the dish is hot and bubbly.
Check periodically; if the breadcrumbs begin to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with aluminum foil.
Once baked, serve the chicken hot with perfectly cooked basmati rice, a generous scoop of cheese sauce, and a sprinkle of minced parsley for a touch of freshness.
