Chicken Whole Meal Casserole

Chicken Whole Meal Casserole Recipe with Apricots and Prunes

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Chicken Whole Meal Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, this casserole is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you full and satisfied.

History

The origins of this recipe are not clear, but casseroles have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. This particular recipe combines the flavors of chicken, potatoes, mushrooms, and dried fruits to create a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

olive oil cooking spray
2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 8 oz (480 g) each, halved
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 4 oz (240 g) each
8 small red potatoes, about 1 lb (960 g) total, scrubbed and quartered
8 oz (480 g) fresh mushrooms, quartered
1 large onion, 8 oz (480 g), thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
8 dried apricot halves
8 dried pitted prunes
0.5 tbsp (7.5 ml) crushed dried thyme
0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) crushed dried rosemary
freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 small navel orange, washed and thinly sliced crosswise
1 large lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), gas mark 5.
Lightly coat a large baking pan with cooking spray.
Rinse the chicken pieces; remove and discard any visible fat.
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
Arrange the chicken in the prepared pan and surround with potatoes and mushrooms.
Scatter onion and garlic over the chicken and vegetables.
Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, and pepper over the ingredients.
Drizzle the olive oil over everything.
Arrange orange and lemon slices on top.
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, uncovering the pan during the last 5 minutes of baking time.
Serve immediately.

Variations

You can add different vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to customize the dish to your liking.
For a sweeter twist, you can add more dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
To make it spicier, you can add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the chicken pieces dry before cooking to ensure a crispy skin.

- Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish.

- For a more indulgent dish, you can add a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a crusty bread or rice for a more filling option.

Cooking Techniques

This casserole is baked in the oven to ensure that all the flavors meld together and the chicken is cooked through. The foil covering helps to keep the ingredients moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dried apricots or prunes, you can substitute with other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. You can also use chicken drumsticks or wings instead of thighs for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover the pan with foil and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.

Presentation Ideas

This casserole can be served directly from the baking dish for a rustic presentation. You can also transfer it to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs for a more elegant look.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a light white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve it with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Chicken Whole Meal Casserole contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

This Chicken Whole Meal Casserole is a great source of carbohydrates from the potatoes and dried fruits. Carbohydrates provide energy for your body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

The olive oil in this recipe provides healthy fats that are essential for brain function and overall health. The chicken thighs also contain some fat, but it can easily be trimmed off for a leaner option.

Proteins

Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. This casserole is packed with protein from the chicken breasts and thighs.

Vitamins and minerals

This casserole is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and fruits included in the recipe. Potatoes are a good source of potassium, while mushrooms provide essential nutrients like vitamin D and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken and may not be suitable for those with poultry allergies. It also contains dried fruits, which may be a concern for those with fruit allergies.

Summary

Overall, this Chicken Whole Meal Casserole is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and delicious option for a family meal.

Summary

This Chicken Whole Meal Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Packed with protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was rummaging through a box of old cookbooks that I had stored away in the attic. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a worn and yellowed piece of paper that was tucked inside one of the books. It was a handwritten recipe for Chicken Whole Meal Casserole.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from, but something about it intrigued me. The ingredients were simple - chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, and some basic seasonings. It seemed like the perfect comfort food dish for a cozy night in. So, I decided to give it a try.

I followed the instructions carefully, chopping the vegetables and browning the chicken in a skillet before layering everything in a casserole dish. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the casserole baked in the oven was heavenly. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the results of my efforts.

When the casserole was finally ready, I spooned myself a generous portion onto a plate and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tender chicken, the perfectly cooked vegetables, and the rich, savory sauce all coming together in perfect harmony. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sundays. It never failed to impress, and I always received requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding in some herbs and spices to enhance the flavors even more. But the essence of the dish remained the same - a comforting and satisfying meal that always brought smiles to the faces of those who enjoyed it.

As time went on, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing it down to the next generation of cooks. I even entered it in a local cooking competition, where it won first prize and earned me a spot in the town's hall of fame for culinary excellence.

But for me, the true joy came from the memories that this recipe held. It reminded me of that chilly autumn day in the attic, of the excitement and anticipation I felt as I tried something new. It reminded me of the countless times I had gathered around the table with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter over a steaming dish of Chicken Whole Meal Casserole.

And as I sit here now, penning this story for my grandchildren to read, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures that cooking has brought into my life. The joy of discovering a new recipe, the satisfaction of creating something delicious with my own two hands, and the love and connection that food can bring to those who share it.

So, if you ever come across a tattered old recipe for Chicken Whole Meal Casserole, I urge you to give it a try. Who knows, it may just become a cherished memory for you as well.