Honey Garlic Chicken Casserole
Honey Garlic Chicken Casserole
Honey Garlic Chicken Casserole combines chicken thighs, penne pasta, honey in a hearty oven-baked dish with a warm, generous filling. It is a practical way to bring the main components of dinner together in one baking dish.
The key is to prepare the components before assembly, then bake just long enough to heat the center and finish the topping. The amounts below make approximately 6 servings. Oven times are a guide: the depth of the dish and whether the filling starts warm or chilled affect the final cooking time.
Recipe overview
- Servings: approximately 6
- Preparation: about 20–25 minutes, plus any separate cooking or thawing
- Oven temperature: 375°F
- Equipment: 9-by-13-inch baking dish, mixing bowl, pasta pot and skillet or saucepan
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs — 1 1/2 lb, boneless and skinless
- Penne pasta — 12 oz dry
- Honey — 1/4 cup
- Soy sauce — 1/4 cup
- Garlic — 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger — 1 teaspoon, grated
- Cornstarch — 1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
- Sesame seeds — 1 teaspoon
- Green onions — 1 medium, diced
- Salt, to taste after adding sauces and cheese
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil, as needed
Preparation notes
Cook the pasta in boiling water until 1–2 minutes short of the package’s full cooking time, then drain. It will finish in the oven. Keep a little pasta water to loosen the filling if it looks dry.
Cut the chicken into even bite-size pieces and cook it thoroughly before assembly, using a little neutral oil for the skillet if needed. Bone-in chicken is not a direct substitute for the boneless pieces in this version.
Directions
Use drained, just-under-al-dente pasta in the assembly steps below.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of broth for a flavorful sauce.
- Toss the chicken thighs and cooked penne pasta in the honey garlic sauce until everything is well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for an extra crunch and freshness.
Continue baking as necessary until the center is hot and the edges are bubbling. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for a better bake
- Keep the pasta slightly firm before baking and reserve some cheese for the topping. The sauce should coat the pasta generously, since noodles absorb more moisture in the oven.
What to serve with it
Pair the bake with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Serve from both the edge and the center so every portion includes some of the topping and the saucy filling.
Make-ahead and leftovers
For easier assembly, prepare the components ahead and refrigerate promptly in covered containers. Assemble when ready to bake. A chilled dish needs additional oven time; cover loosely at first if the topping colors before the center heats. Warm individual portions covered to help retain moisture. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat until hot throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the cheese?
Keep the balance of filling and topping similar if making a variation, and check the center for doneness rather than relying only on surface color.
How can I prevent a dry filling?
Do not overcook the components before assembly. Slightly undercooked pasta and a generous coating of sauce are especially helpful. Stop baking once the filling is hot and the topping is ready, then allow a short rest before serving.
Honey Garlic Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 12 oz Penne pasta, dry
- 0.25 cup Honey
- 0.25 cup Soy sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds
- 1 medium Green onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Neutral cooking oil, as needed For cooking chicken
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of broth for a flavorful sauce.
- Toss the chicken thighs and cooked penne pasta in the honey garlic sauce until everything is well coated.
Baking
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for an extra crunch and freshness before serving.
- Continue baking as necessary until the center is hot and the edges are bubbling. Cover loosely with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
