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Swiss Chicken Casserole with Panko

Swiss Chicken Casserole with Panko
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Swiss Chicken Casserole with Panko is a comforting and hearty baked dish combining tender chicken pieces with creamy Swiss cheese and a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping. This recipe blends simple ingredients to create layers of warm, rich flavors and textures, ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Its versatility allows easy customization for dietary preferences, making it a favorite wholesome comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

Cheese & Dairy

  • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 tbsp butter (for panko topping)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Optional: 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

Toppings & Oils

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko for gluten-free version)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing chicken)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Optional Add-ins

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños (for spicy kick)
  • Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for garnish and flavor infusion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken until just cooked through but still juicy, ensuring it stays tender for baking.
  2. Make the Creamy Base: In the same pan, cook chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Stir in sour cream or cream of mushroom soup to form a creamy base. Gradually add Swiss cheese, allowing it to melt slowly and blend flavors.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Mix the sautéed chicken into the creamy base, coating every piece thoroughly. Fold in any optional vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach to add texture and nutrition.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a separate bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until well coated, then sprinkle generously over the casserole to form a crunchy topping.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole bubbles around the edges.

Notes

  • Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest and lightest topping.
  • Do not overcook the chicken during sautéing to avoid dryness; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Butter the panko thoroughly to achieve a golden, crunchy crust on top.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and serve cleanly.
  • Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife or spatula to cut neat portions without damaging the crispy topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, Swiss cheese casserole, panko topping, creamy chicken bake, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten-free casserole

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/swiss-chicken-casserole-with-panko/