If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and wholesome dish that captures the essence of autumn in every bite, the Harvest Chicken Casserole with Sweet Potatoes Recipe is your new go-to. This one-dish wonder brings together tender chicken, naturally sweet and vibrant sweet potatoes, tart dried cranberries, and nutritious Brussels sprouts, all baked to golden perfection. The beautiful medley of colors and textures not only pleases the eye but fills your home with an inviting aroma that feels like fall on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Harvest Chicken Casserole with Sweet Potatoes Recipe comes together with simple yet essential ingredients that harmonize to create depth and balance. Each element plays a key role—from the juiciness of the chicken to the earthiness of the Brussels sprouts and the sweet-tart pop of cranberries, plus the savory touch of herbs and broth enhancing every bite.
- 2 cups chicken, cubed: Use fresh chicken breast or thigh pieces for tender, juicy results.
- 1 large sweet potato, cubed: Choose firm, brightly colored sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved: Adds a slightly nutty flavor and a satisfying bite, balancing the sweet potato perfectly.
- ¼ cup dried cranberries: Gives a burst of tartness to brighten the dish and complement the savory ingredients.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and infuses a rich, savory background flavor.
- 1 tsp rosemary: Fresh or dried, rosemary offers an earthy, pine-like aroma that embodies autumn.
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional): A creamy, melty topping that adds richness and a delightful golden crust.
How to Make Harvest Chicken Casserole with Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cubing the chicken and sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Halve the Brussels sprouts to ensure they cook evenly and soften beautifully without losing their bright color. Having everything prepped before assembling makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Combine Everything in a Baking Dish
In a suitable casserole or baking dish, mix together the cubed chicken, sweet potatoes, halved Brussels sprouts, and dried cranberries. Sprinkle the rosemary evenly on top and pour in the chicken broth to keep everything moist and flavorful during baking. This simple step sets the foundation for all those lovely mingling flavors.
Step 3: Bake at 375°F for 30–35 Minutes
Place the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake uncovered, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften and the chicken to cook through while the Brussels sprouts roast to slight caramelization. The combination of heat and time lets the cranberries plump up slightly, adding a juicy contrast.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it over the top after the initial bake. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese into a golden, bubbly topping that adds richness and a welcoming gooey texture.
How to Serve Harvest Chicken Casserole with Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
For a final touch, try sprinkling toasted pecans or walnuts atop your casserole just before serving. This adds a lovely warm crunch that contrasts with the softness of the chicken and sweet potatoes, elevating the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is deliciously hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans provides refreshing brightness and textural variety to your meal. A warm crusty bread also complements the casserole wonderfully for sopping up any tasty juices.
Creative Ways to Present
When serving, present the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch that’s perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals. Alternatively, serve it family-style straight from the baking dish for a warm, inviting centerpiece that encourages shared enjoyment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to deepen, making it even more delicious the next day. Leftovers will keep fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This Harvest Chicken Casserole with Sweet Potatoes Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the casserole gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option. Adding a little extra cheese on top before reheating can revive the casserole’s signature gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables in this casserole?
Frozen Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes can work in a pinch, but fresh ingredients provide better texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to avoid a soggy casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative for a delicious dairy-free version of this casserole without compromising taste.
Can I substitute the chicken with turkey or another protein?
Yes, turkey makes a great substitute and complements the autumn flavors well. You can also try tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist, though cook times may vary.
How spicy is this casserole? Can I add more seasoning?
This recipe is mild, focusing on warm, savory, and slightly sweet autumn flavors. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you like a bit of heat and complexity.
What is the best way to prepare the sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Peeling the sweet potatoes is optional but recommended for a smoother texture. Cutting them into uniform cubes ensures even cooking and perfect tenderness when baked.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Harvest Chicken Casserole with Sweet Potatoes Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish that feels like a big warm hug on a cool autumn evening. With its easy prep, vibrant ingredients, and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite that you’ll want to make over and over again. Give it a try, and enjoy every hearty, delicious bite!
Print
Harvest Chicken Casserole with Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting one-dish harvest chicken casserole featuring tender chicken cubes, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and dried cranberries, baked to perfection and optionally topped with melted cheese for a wholesome and flavorful autumn dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken, cubed
- 1 large sweet potato, cubed
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp rosemary
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cube the chicken and sweet potato, and halve the Brussels sprouts to ensure even cooking and good texture throughout the casserole.
- Combine in Baking Dish: In a suitable baking dish, mix together the cubed chicken, sweet potatoes, halved Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, chicken broth, and rosemary to distribute flavors evenly.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes, allowing the chicken and vegetables to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese Topping: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and temperature to cool slightly for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Add pecans for a crunchy texture and extra nutty flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium content if preferred.
- Substitute kale or green beans if Brussels sprouts are unavailable.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
