Chicken Provolone Casserole
Chicken Provolone Casserole: A Cheesy Delight
Chicken Provolone Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines the simplicity of Italian-American flavors with the ease of casserole cooking. While its exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, it's a clear descendant of classic Italian-American comfort food, drawing inspiration from dishes like chicken parmesan and baked ziti.
A Modern Comfort Food
This casserole is a great way to enjoy familiar flavors in a convenient format. The combination of chicken, tomato sauce, and provolone cheese creates a rich and satisfying meal that's perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It also offers flexibility – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes.
Cooking Techniques
The key to a great Chicken Provolone Casserole is ensuring the chicken is cooked through and remains tender. Pre-cooking the chicken slightly helps achieve this. Using a high-quality tomato sauce is also crucial for adding depth of flavor to the dish.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- 1.Prepare Chicken
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 2.Sear Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
- 3.Assemble Casserole
Pour marinara sauce into the prepared baking dish. Arrange seared chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Cover each chicken breast with slices of provolone cheese.
- 4.Bake
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the provolone cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 5.Serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve with your favorite sides, such as pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Nutritional Information
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a layer of sautéed onions and peppers to the casserole before adding the chicken.
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Shred the chicken and mix it with the marinara sauce before layering in the baking dish.
- Feel free to add other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Serve over pasta for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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