Impress your guests with this Chicken Avocado Casserole, a rich and creamy dish perfect for special occasions. Paired with rice pilaf, salad, and French bread, it’s a complete meal guaranteed to leave everyone satisfied.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients for Chicken Avocado Casserole
- 7 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 dashes hot pepper sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (crushed)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
- ¼ cup sherry
- ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 2 avocados (peeled and sliced)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet.
- Add olive oil and swirl to combine.
- Saute the chicken breasts until browned on both sides and cooked through.
- Place the chicken in a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter until foamy.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add the cream and chicken broth, whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Season with Kosher salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, hot pepper sauce, rosemary, and basil. Set aside.
Step 4: Saute the Mushrooms
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet.
- Saute the mushrooms until softened, then add the sherry.
- Cook until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Spread the mushrooms over the chicken in the baking dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and mushrooms.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
Step 6: Add Toppings
- Sprinkle the casserole with toasted almonds.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Step 7: Add Avocado
- Just before serving, peel and slice the avocados lengthwise.
- Arrange the avocado slices over the baked casserole for a creamy finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 456 |
| Fat | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Protein | 35g |
Tips for the Best Chicken Avocado Casserole
- Use fresh, ripe avocados for a smooth and creamy topping.
- Substitute light cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with roasted vegetables for a low-carb alternative to rice.
- Prepare the dish in advance and bake it just before serving for convenience.
Variations for Special Diets
- Keto-Friendly: Replace flour with almond flour and use heavy cream for a richer keto option.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.