Brunch Casserole
Chicken Marsala
This Chicken Marsala Brunch Casserole takes inspiration from the classic Italian dish and transforms it into a hearty, flavorful brunch recipe. It combines tender chicken, mushrooms, eggs, and a savory Marsala-infused sauce, all baked together for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
(Serves 6-8)
- Chicken and Mushrooms:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (leftover roasted chicken works great)
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, Parmesan, or mozzarella)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Other Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed bread (French bread or sourdough works well)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the cooked chicken and sautéed mushroom mixture on top of the bread.
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the chicken and mushrooms, pressing down gently to soak the bread.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the eggs are set.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed for an easy brunch.
- Add Veggies: For extra flavor, add spinach, bell peppers, or caramelized onions to the mix.
- Customize Cheese: Swap Gruyère for cheddar or goat cheese to suit your preferences.
Pairings for Brunch:
- Drinks: Pair with mimosas, freshly brewed coffee, or orange juice.
- Sides: Serve with a fresh green salad, roasted potatoes, or fruit salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy this Chicken Marsala Brunch Casserole—a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for special occasions or lazy weekends!