Apple Mushroom Harvest Bake

Serves 6 · 30 min prep · 40 min cook

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb fresh mixed mushrooms (cremini and shiitake)
• 3 medium firm apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 large yellow onion
• 12 fresh sage leaves
• 1 tbsp leaves fresh thyme
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère or sharp white cheddar
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. 1Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Pat chicken thighs dry and cut into large bite-size chunks. Season with salt and pepper.
2. 2Wipe mushrooms clean and slice thickly. Core the apples and cut into 1/2-inch wedges, leaving the skin on for color and structure. Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic.
3. 3Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces in batches until golden on both sides but not fully cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
4. 4In the same skillet add another tablespoon butter. Sauté mushrooms until they release liquid and turn golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Add onion and cook until softened, then stir in garlic, sage, and thyme for 1 minute.
5. 5Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping the pan. Stir in cream and Dijon and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. 6Scatter half the mushroom mixture in the prepared baking dish. Nestle chicken pieces and apple wedges evenly over the top, then spoon remaining mushroom cream sauce over everything.
7. 7Toss panko with remaining melted butter and half the cheese. Sprinkle the crumb mixture and remaining cheese evenly over the bake.
8. 8Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes until the top is deep golden, the sauce bubbles at the edges, and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
9. 9Rest the casserole 8 to 10 minutes so it sets for clean scooping. Finish with chopped parsley and bring the whole dish to the table for family-style serving.