Introduction
This delicious recipe combines tender, marinated chicken with a medley of flavorful ingredients, creating a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. With artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, this meal is not only satisfying but also visually appealing. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this one-pan recipe simplifies cooking while delivering a burst of flavors.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– ½ cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
– 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 (14 oz) can or jar of marinated artichoke hearts
– ½ red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, left whole
– 1 (14 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
– ¾ cup whole salted cashews
– 1½ cups chicken broth
– 1 cup mozzarella pearls (whole milk mozzarella)
– 4 fresh sprigs of oregano, chopped
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
This recipe is sure to impress with its unique blend of ingredients and easy preparation. Enjoy the harmony of flavors as you serve this delightful dish to friends and family.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, coat the chicken breasts or thighs in balsamic vinegar, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
Prepare the Casserole Dish
In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine the drained and rinsed white beans, whole salted cashews, marinated artichoke hearts, whole cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Stir the mixture gently to mix evenly.
Season and Brown the Chicken
Take the marinated chicken out of the vinegar and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until browned, but not fully cooked.
Assemble the Casserole
Place the browned chicken on top of the bean and vegetable mixture in the casserole dish. Using a brush, apply a layer of additional balsamic vinegar over the chicken for extra flavor.
Add Chicken Broth and Oregano
Carefully pour the chicken broth into the dish around the chicken. Make sure to evenly distribute the liquid. Then, sprinkle the chopped fresh oregano over the entire dish to add aromatic flavor.
Bake the Dish
Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Check the chicken for doneness; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and no longer be pink in the center.
Add Mozzarella Pearls
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the casserole from the oven. Evenly distribute the mozzarella pearls over the top of the dish. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the Dish
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious chicken casserole.
Notes
Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken in balsamic vinegar enhances the flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer marinating times can yield even better results.
Browning
Browning the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat creates a delicious crust that adds depth to the dish. This step should take about 2 minutes per side until the chicken is a nice golden brown, but it is not fully cooked yet.
Baking
Baking in a preheated oven at 400°F allows the chicken to cook evenly while the other ingredients meld together, creating a harmonious dish. The cooking time of 15-20 minutes ensures the chicken is cooked through safely.
Layering Ingredients
When combining the white beans, cashews, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, layer them well in the casserole dish. This not only ensures even cooking but allows flavors to infuse into each ingredient as they bake.
Adding Cheese
Sprinkling mozzarella pearls over the top after baking adds a creamy texture and rich flavor. This finishing touch makes the dish more appealing and enhances its overall taste.
FAQ
Can I use chicken with skin on for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken with skin on, but it may require a slight adjustment in cooking time to ensure the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as an alternative, keeping in mind that the flavor may differ slightly.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the casserole dish ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Adjust the baking time as needed if starting from cold.
Conclusion
This dish beautifully combines tender chicken with a mix of vibrant vegetables and flavorful ingredients, creating a satisfying and healthy meal. The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy richness, while the artichokes and cherry tomatoes provide freshness. Enjoy this hearty casserole with the goodness of white beans, cashews, and mozzarella for a delightful dining experience that’s sure to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Combine sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas with marinated chicken cubes for a quick and colorful stir-fry. Serve over rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
Pasta Salad with Artichokes and Cherry Tomatoes
Toss cooked pasta with marinated artichoke hearts, halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a refreshing cold pasta salad.
White Bean and Cashew Dip
Blend white beans with cashews, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a creamy dip. Serve with pita chips or fresh vegetables for a healthy snack.
Oven-Baked Chicken with Pesto and Mozzarella
Spread pesto over seasoned chicken breasts before topping with mozzarella cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a classic and refreshing salad that’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
