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Baked Chicken & Vegetables in Cheese Sauce

What you need

  1. 3 boneless, skinless chicken half breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
  2. 4 carrots, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  3. 5 stalks celery, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  4. 1 small zucchini (optional)
  5. 1 large onion, chopped
  6. Kosher salt
  7. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  8. 2 Tbl duck fat or olive oil plus extra for browning meat and veg
  9. 2 Tbl besan flour or wheat flour
  10. 2 cups heated chicken broth
  11. 1 Tbl minced fresh parsley
  12. 2 tsp minced fresh sage
  13. 2 tsp minced fresh rosemary leaves
  14. 1 tsp minced fresh thyme leaves
  15. 1 tsp sweet paprika
  16. 1/2 cup sour cream
  17. 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  18. Grated parmesan for topping

How to make it

  1. Heat oven to 350º
  2. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
  3. Sauté chicken in fat or oil over medium-high heat, turning frequently until lightly browned on all sides
  4. Place browned chicken pieces into a 13 x 9 inch casserole
  5. Sauté carrots, celery and onion with 1/2 tsp salt in fat from chicken until just lightly browned
  6. Add 1/2 cup water, cover and reduce heat to medium low
  7. Cook until just barely tender and water has evaporated
  8. Add to chicken
  9. In a saucepan over medium-low, heat 2 tbl fat or oil and add besan, whisking constantly until no lumps remain and color has deepened
  10. Add 1/4 cup broth and whisk to remove lumps, repeat until all liquid is incorporated
  11. Add fresh herbs and paprika and cook over medium until well thickened
  12. Turn off heat and add sour cream, whisking until combined
  13. Add grated cheddar and stir until melted
  14. Taste cheese sauce and adjust seasoning if needed
  15. Pour sauce evenly over chicken and vegetables and mix to distribute evenly
  16. Sprinkle about 2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan over the top and bake for 35-45 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top

Turning the casserole halfway through baking helps with even cooking. Serve with a side salad.

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