Baked Chicken Dijon Recipe 🍽️
Overview:
This baked chicken Dijon dish is a delightful blend of flavors, bringing together the succulence of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with the comforting appeal of bow tie pasta and the nutritious crunch of broccoli cuts. What makes it truly exceptional is the creamy Dijon mustard sauce that envelops every bite, infusing it with a tantalizing zest. It’s a wonderful, creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for those cozy winter evenings when you crave something hearty yet not too heavy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- 3 cups bow tie pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1/3 cup frozen broccoli cuts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Dish:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Grease the Casserole Dish: Take a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish and grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
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Cook the Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
Assembling the Casserole:
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Combine Ingredients: In the greased casserole dish, mix together the cooked pasta, diced chicken breasts, frozen broccoli cuts, and a pinch of black pepper.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and finely chopped onion. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated.
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Add Sauce to Pasta: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the pasta, chicken, and broccoli in the casserole dish. Ensure that everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
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Sprinkle with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole, adding a rich and savory layer of flavor.
Baking the Dish:
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Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil or a lid to seal in the moisture and flavors. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve Hot: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 174.8
- Fat: 6.7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.4g
- Cholesterol: 23.3mg
- Sodium: 704.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.9g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 2.2g
- Protein: 8.8g
Tips and Variations:
- Creaminess Boost: For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the casserole.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with extra broccoli or your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce over the casserole before baking.
- Herbal Infusion: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a sprinkle of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil to the casserole before baking.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly and bake when needed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
- Leftover Love: Enjoy any leftovers by reheating them in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal the next day.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, this baked chicken Dijon casserole is sure to impress with its wonderful flavors and comforting appeal. It’s a well-balanced dish that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection! 🌟
