Creamy Chicken Casserole: A Comforting, Hearty Delight

Creamy Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. With succulent chicken chunks enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce and combined with earthy mushrooms, aromatic onions, and a touch of fresh parsley, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. It’s a perfect meal for any season, providing warmth and flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Paired with mashed potatoes, peas, and sprouts, this casserole becomes a complete, delicious meal that’s ideal for dinner or even special occasions. The best part? It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to suit your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

The creamy, flavorful sauce coats the tender chunks of chicken, making each bite comforting and rich. It’s a meal that will fill you up and warm you from the inside out.

2. Quick and Easy

This casserole comes together quickly and can be prepared with basic pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

3. Versatile

The dish is highly customizable—feel free to swap in different vegetables, add some cheese for extra richness, or use a different type of protein such as turkey or pork.

4. Kid-Friendly

With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and familiar flavors, this casserole is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies too!

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for a day or two, making it even more convenient when you’re short on time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 5 chicken breasts (1 kg/2.25 lb), chopped into large chunks or strips
• 45 g (6 tbsp) plain (all-purpose) flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 small-to-medium onions, peeled and finely diced
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp celery salt (optional)
• 25 g (3 tbsp) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 litre (4 ¼ cups) chicken stock
• 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) whole milk or half-fat
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (juice of approximately 1 lemon)
• 20 chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 240 ml (1 cup) double (heavy) cream
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 5 tbsp cold water to make a slurry (optional)
• Small bunch of parsley, chopped

To Serve:

• Mashed potatoes
• Sprouts
• Peas

Variations

• Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or broccoli to the casserole for added color and nutrition.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Stir in some grated cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, to make the sauce even richer and more indulgent.
• Protein Swap: If you want to switch up the protein, turkey, pork, or even tofu (for a vegetarian version) work wonderfully in this casserole.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the chopped chicken with 45 g (6 tbsp) of flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This will help the chicken brown and give the sauce some thickness as it cooks.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, cooking until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same pan, add 2 tbsp of butter. Once melted, add the diced onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and celery salt (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Add 25 g (3 tbsp) of flour to the pan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the milk, lemon juice, and sliced mushrooms. Season with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Chicken

Stir in 240 ml (1 cup) of heavy cream, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the browned chicken back to the pan, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened. If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can mix 2 tbsp cornflour with 5 tbsp cold water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it further.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thick and creamy, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This casserole pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, peas, and sprouts.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Brown the chicken in batches to ensure it gets a nice golden crust. Crowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
• Creamy Sauce Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, you can add more chicken stock or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
• Customizing Vegetables: If you prefer, you can add frozen peas, corn, or even spinach to the sauce for extra texture and nutrition.
• Make it Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two days before baking or reheating. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Creamy Chicken Casserole is best served with hearty sides that complement its rich flavors:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect match to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Peas: Sweet peas add a pop of color and a mild sweetness that balances the richness of the casserole.
• Sprouts: Roasted or sautéed sprouts add a slightly bitter edge that contrasts nicely with the creamy chicken sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigerating, add a little milk to loosen it up while reheating.

Freezing

This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a bit more chicken stock or cream to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of bone-in chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts will work fine. You may need to reduce the cooking time slightly since they cook faster than bone-in cuts.

2. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe. They add a rich, tender texture to the casserole.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this casserole gluten-free. Ensure your chicken stock is also gluten-free.

4. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can brown the chicken and prepare the sauce on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the cream towards the end to keep it from curdling.

5. What can I substitute for the heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little butter for a creamy texture.

6. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or peas to enhance the dish. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the sauce.

7. How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.

8. Can I freeze this casserole before cooking it?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it, and freeze it before cooking. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then cook according to the recipe instructions.

9. Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use sour cream for a tangier flavor, though it will slightly alter the creaminess of the dish.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a larger pan or casserole dish, and adjust cooking times accordingly.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Casserole is the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and comforting. This dish is not only incredibly easy to make but also versatile and family-friendly. Whether served with mashed potatoes, peas, and sprouts or your favorite side dishes, this casserole is sure to please. Make it ahead, store it, and enjoy

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