Chicken Casserole Recipe

A warm and homely casserole is a perfect Autumn dinner for the family when the nights are drawing in and the weather is getting a little chillier.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for baking dish
• 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 c. chicken broth, divided
• 6 c. cooked wild rice
• 1/2 c. dried cranberries
• 1/2 c. sliced almonds

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350° and grease a 9"-x-13" baking dish with oil. In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, 8 minutes per side. Let rest 10 minutes, then cut into 1" pieces.
2. Heat another tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onion, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, garlic, thyme, paprika, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper and cook until softened, 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup broth, bring to a simmer, and cook, covered, 5 minutes.
3. Place cooked rice in a large baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Stir in chicken, cranberries, cooked vegetables, and remaining 1/4 cup broth. Top with almonds and bake until dish is hot and almonds are toasted, 15 to 18 minutes.

Note: Make sure you are measuring and adding cooked rice to the casserole. Uncooked rice won’t cook in the oven in this casserole.