Chicken Kiev Casserole (Printable)
Tender chicken baked with garlic-herb butter, creamy sauce, and a crispy golden panko topping.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Garlic-Herb Butter
02 - 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
06 - 1 tsp lemon juice
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
→ Sauce & Dairy
09 - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
10 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Breadcrumb Topping
12 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
13 - 2 tbsp butter, melted
14 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme or parsley
→ Extras
15 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
16 - Nonstick cooking spray or oil for greasing
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or oil.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, dill (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended and set aside.
03 - Place the chicken pieces in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
04 - Dot spoonfuls of the garlic-herb butter mixture evenly over the chicken pieces.
05 - Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
06 - If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top for an extra cheesy layer.
07 - In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and dried herbs. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the entire casserole.
08 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
09 - Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That golden panko crust cracks under your spoon and reveals a creamy garlicky sauce underneath that tastes like you spent hours on it.
- It uses simple ingredients you probably already have but transforms them into something that feels special enough for guests.
02 -
- Do not substitute the panko with regular breadcrumbs because they will turn soggy and dense instead of light and crunchy.
- Letting the casserole rest for the full five minutes makes the difference between a watery mess and a sauce that clings to every piece.
03 -
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness before cutting so every piece finishes cooking at the same time and nothing dries out.
- A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc alongside this dish elevates the whole evening into something worth savoring slowly.