Chicken and Yellow & Zucchini Squash Casserole With Rosemary
Prep Time: 35 minutes | Cook Time: 37 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Description:
This delightful Chicken and Yellow & Zucchini Squash Casserole with Rosemary is a perfect harmony of flavors, offering a light and quick chicken fricassee that creates a savory and wholesome dish. What sets this recipe apart is its versatility – the ingredients can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance, allowing you to effortlessly cook with the chicken just 20 to 25 minutes before serving. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or any occasion when you crave a delicious, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 4 baby chickens
- Salt, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- Pinch of sugar
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 16 garlic cloves
- 1/2 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup water
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 839.4
- Fat: 74.5g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 156.9mg
- Sodium: 162.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.9g
- Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugar: 5.3g
- Protein: 31g
Recipe Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to a sizzling 450 degrees, ensuring it’s ready to embrace the flavorful symphony.
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Season the Chicken:
- Gently season the baby chickens with a sprinkle of salt, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of sugar, infusing them with a burst of delectable flavors.
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Sauté the Chickens:
- In a large roasting pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat. Add the chickens, placing them skin side down, and sauté until they achieve a golden perfection, approximately 4 to 6 minutes.
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Add Aromatic Goodness:
- Flip the chickens and introduce the garlic, squash and zucchini slices, bay leaf, fresh rosemary, lime zest, and a dash of salt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over this aromatic medley and give it a careful toss.
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Roast to Perfection:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the magic happen for 15 to 20 minutes. Toss the ingredients 2 or 3 times during this roasting journey.
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Prepare Tomato Topping:
- While the casserole is roasting, place the tomato slices in a bowl. Season them with salt, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and sugar. Toss them in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and lime juice, spreading this vibrant mixture over the chicken-squash casserole.
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Final Touch:
- Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tomatoes meld their flavors with the rest. Discard the bay leaf and rosemary sprigs, and transfer the succulent chicken and garnish to a large serving platter, keeping it warm.
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Create a Flavorful Sauce:
- In the roasting pan drippings, add stock or water, letting it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat. Further enhance the sauce by incorporating the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring a thorough mix, and then strain the sauce for a velvety texture.
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Serve with Elegance:
- Place the chickens on a platter, artfully arranging the vegetables over them. Spoon the luscious sauce evenly over the warm dish, completing this culinary masterpiece.
In just over an hour, you’ve crafted a dish that marries the earthiness of squash and zucchini with the succulence of perfectly roasted chicken, elevated by the aromatic touch of rosemary and lime. This Chicken and Yellow & Zucchini Squash Casserole is not just a recipe; it’s a symphony of flavors that transforms a weeknight dinner into a culinary experience worth savoring. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a wholesome and delicious meal, leaving your taste buds dancing in delight!
