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Fall Chicken and Apple Casserole

This casserole features tender chicken baked with caramelized apples and aromatic sage, topped with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. The dish combines warm spices and savory ingredients, resulting in a hearty, rustic appearance with contrasting textures of crispy topping and soft, flavorful chicken and fruit beneath.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs skin on preferred for extra flavor
  • 3 large apples firm varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp, peeled and sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried sage or fresh sage chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably toasted
  • 2 tbsp butter melted, for mixing with breadcrumbs

Equipment

  • Bakeware dish
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of sage.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. While the chicken cooks, peel and thinly slice the apples, then toss them with a pinch of cinnamon and a little salt.
  4. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter until coated evenly. Set aside.
  5. In a baking dish, layer the sliced apples evenly across the bottom. Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the apples, skin-side up. Sprinkle minced garlic and additional sage over everything.
  6. Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the chicken and apples, enhancing the warm aroma.
  7. Scatter the toasted breadcrumbs over the top of the dish, pressing down slightly to help them adhere and create a crispy crust.
  8. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 35-45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and crispy.
  9. Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve warm, with the caramelized apples and crispy breadcrumb topping creating a beautiful contrast.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh sage or a drizzle of honey before serving. You can also substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but reduce baking time accordingly.