Creamy Chicken Casserole

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until slightly browned. (It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.)

Prepare vegetables: In your casserole dish, place a layer of diced onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. You can also add any optional vegetables, such as mushrooms or broccoli, at this stage.

Layer ingredients: After the chicken is seared, cut it into cubes and place them over the vegetables in the casserole dish.

Prepare sauce: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, thyme, and additional seasonings. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the casserole dish.

Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring it’s well-distributed.

Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is cooked through.

Broil (optional): For a golden top, you can broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of the baking time.

Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.