The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Casserole a Hug in a Dish

Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Casserole

Fancy a proper hug in a dish? I do. Let's talk about this chicken casserole . It’s pure comfort food. It’s like your Nan's cooking but, dare I say it, maybe even better!

Quick Hook: Comfort Food, Sorted!

Ever feel like you need a warm, comforting meal? This creamy chicken casserole recipe is the answer. It has tender chicken, a load of veggies, and a golden, crispy topping.

This dish is packed with flavor!

Brief Overview: Nanny Knows Best... Almost!

This classic chicken casserole has roots stretching back to simpler times. It is a dish that evokes a sense of warmth.

Okay , it's not exactly Nanny's recipe, but she'd approve. It's a medium difficulty level. Prep takes 25 minutes . Cooking is 45 minutes .

You'll have six lovely servings.

Main Benefits: Healthy Comfort? Yes, Please!

This is chicken casserole comfort food at its finest! It's got a decent protein kick. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner casserole .

Honestly, what makes this recipe special is the flavour. The sherry in the sauce really makes a difference. Trust me on this.

What You'll Need: The Shopping List

Right , let's whip up a stonking list for ingredients. We'll get started on the creamy chicken casserole.

• Chicken & Veggies: Chicken breasts, olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, peas, corn, mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Creamy Sauce: Butter, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, sherry, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Topping: Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese (optional).

Ingredients & Equipment for a Hug in a Dish

Right then, let's whip up our creamy chicken casserole recipe , shall we? It's the best chicken casserole recipe for a reason! It is easy chicken casserole .

Think of it as pure chicken casserole comfort food , a proper hug on a plate. Here's what you need.

Honestly, don't be intimidated. It's easier than making a perfect Yorkshire pudding, I promise! This homestyle chicken casserole is going to be a star!.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Okay, here's the lowdown on the ingredients. Precise measurements matter, especially for the sauce! This chicken casserole with vegetables is a winner and a true classic chicken casserole .

• Chicken & Veggies:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Get good quality chicken free range if you can.
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Nothing fancy, just regular olive oil.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped. About 1 cup (150g) .
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced. Roughly 1 cup (120g) .
  • 2 celery stalks, diced. Around 1 cup (110g) .
  • 1 cup (120g) frozen peas. Straight from the freezer!
  • 1 cup (120g) frozen corn. Ditto!
  • 1/2 cup (50g) sliced mushrooms. Chestnut mushrooms work a treat.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme. For that warm, herby flavour.
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary. A little goes a long way.
  • Salt and pepper to taste. Seasoning is key, innit?.

• Creamy Sauce Goodness:

  • 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter. Proper butter, not margarine, yeah?
  • 4 tbsp (30g) all-purpose flour. To thicken the sauce, like making gravy.
  • 3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth. Again, good quality broth makes a difference.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream. Gives it that lush, creamy texture.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) dry sherry. Optional, but adds a fab depth of flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Just a pinch!
  • Salt and pepper to taste. Again, season generously.

• The Crunchy Topping:

  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs. For that perfect crisp.
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted. Helps the crumbs go golden.
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese. Optional, but adds a nice salty tang to this chicken and vegetable bake .

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Thyme and rosemary are our base, but don't be shy with salt and pepper. Sherry adds a touch of sophistication, but grape juice and lemon will do.

Nutmeg brings a subtle warmth don't skip it!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen for this weeknight dinner casserole . Here's what's essential:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven. For cooking the chicken and veggies.
• 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. For baking the casserole, obviously.
• Whisk. For making a lump free sauce.
• Mixing bowls. For prepping ingredients.

Honestly? That's it. You could use a wooden spoon instead of a whisk if you are old school. Got all that? Okay , right , let's get cracking !

The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Casserole: A Hug in a Dish

Fancy a bit of comfort food, sunshine? This chicken casserole is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It's the kind of dish that brings back memories of mum's cooking, y'know? Tender chicken, loads of veggies, and a creamy sauce with a crispy breadcrumb topping .

Honestly, it's the best! We have added some homestyle and classic touch for you.

This easy chicken casserole is only medium difficulty. Even if you're not a whiz in the kitchen, you can totally nail it.

Think Victoria Sponge level of difficulty. Prep takes about 25 minutes , cooking will take around 45 minutes .

That's only 1 hour 10 minutes total. And it feeds 6 hungry bellies!

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Okay, right, mise en place is key. Chop your 1 medium onion , dice 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks .

Cube 1.5 lbs (680g) of chicken breasts. Having everything ready saves loads of time. Also, make sure your baking dish is ready to go, like 9x13 inch (23x33 cm).

step-by-step to Chicken Casserole Heaven

1. Sauté the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery in 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil in a large skillet until soft.
2. Add 1/2 cup (50g) sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until softened.
3. Toss in the cubed chicken. Cook until browned on all sides. Season with 1 tsp dried thyme and 1/2 tsp dried rosemary . Salt and pepper to taste.
4. Melt 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter in a separate saucepan. Whisk in 4 tbsp (30g) all-purpose flour . Cook for 1- 2 minutes . It should form a smooth paste.
5. Gradually whisk in 3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth . Keep stirring until no lumps remain. Simmer until thickened.
6. Stir in 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream , 1/4 cup (60ml) dry sherry (optional). Season with 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg , salt, and pepper.
7. Combine the chicken and veggies with the creamy sauce. Stir in 1 cup (120g) frozen peas and 1 cup (120g) frozen corn .
8. Pour into your baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tbsp (28g) melted butter . Add 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan if you're feeling fancy. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes . The topping should be golden and bubbly.

Pro Tips: Secrets to a Champion Chicken Casserole

Honestly, the sherry really makes a difference. It adds a depth you just can't get otherwise. If you're avoiding booze, a splash of white grape juice with a squeeze of lemon works.

Also, don't skip toasting your breadcrumbs. Toasting prevents a soggy topping. You could probably make the sauce ahead of time. This weeknight dinner casserole trick shaves off time when you are tired.

This creamy chicken casserole recipe is like a culinary hug. The chicken casserole with vegetables makes this such a great chicken and vegetable bake .

Enjoy this chicken casserole comfort food that's sure to warm you to the bone. Right then, get cooking!

Recipe Notes

Right, so you're about to embark on making the ultimate creamy chicken casserole ! It's easier than you think. Let's dive into some notes and tips to make it even more delish.

It's honestly like a warm hug on a plate.

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!

Okay, first impressions matter, even with chicken casserole comfort food ! Think about presentation. A simple garnish of fresh parsley can really lift the dish.

Maybe a sprinkle of paprika for a bit of colour?

For sides, a crisp green salad cuts through the richness perfectly. Or, you know, some crusty bread to mop up all that lovely sauce.

I personally like a nice Pinot Grigio with it. You could have also some garlic bread for the perfect chicken casserole complement.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!

Honestly, leftovers are the best part. This easy chicken casserole keeps well. Once it’s cooled down completely, pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.

It'll happily sit there for up to 3 days.

Freezing is an option too! Divide the casserole into individual portions before freezing. This makes reheating a breeze. Just thaw it out in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Variations: Tweak it Your Way!

Let's say you're trying to cut back on dairy. Okay, right, sub the butter for olive oil. Use almond milk instead of heavy cream.

Still yummy! For a seasonal twist, swap out the frozen peas and corn for roasted butternut squash in the autumn.

Also try adding chopped broccoli florets instead of peas and corn.

For a gluten-free version of this best chicken casserole recipe , use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Simple as that.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Dish!

This classic chicken casserole has a decent amount of protein from the chicken. The veggies add vitamins and fibre. Of course, the creamy sauce means it’s not exactly diet food.

But hey, everything in moderation, yeah? Each serving contains approximately 450-550 calories, 40-45g of protein, 25-30g of fat, and 30-35g of carbohydrates.

So there you have it! With these notes, you're all set to make a homestyle chicken casserole that'll knock everyone's socks off.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chicken casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. Just like prepping your Sunday roast the day before, it makes things easier!

What's the best way to store leftover chicken casserole?

Leftover chicken casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it's cooled completely before refrigerating. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave until piping hot, just like reheating shepherd's pie.

I'm short on time; can I use rotisserie chicken in this chicken casserole recipe?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! Simply shred the chicken and add it to the recipe where it calls for cooked chicken. This will save you about 15-20 minutes of prep time. It's a clever trick for busy weeknights, almost as good as using pre-made pastry for a quiche!

Can I freeze this chicken casserole?

You can freeze the casserole, but the texture of the creamy sauce might change slightly upon thawing. It's best to assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping, freeze it, and then add the topping just before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Think of it as your emergency ready meal, a bit like those posh frozen meals you see at Waitrose!

What can I substitute for the sherry in the sauce if I don't have any or prefer not to use alcohol?

The sherry adds a lovely depth of flavour, but it's perfectly fine to omit it. You can substitute it with a tablespoon of white grape juice mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a savoury boost. It will still be a cracking chicken casserole, even without the sherry, I promise!

Is there a lighter version of this chicken casserole I can make?

Absolutely! You can lighten it up by using low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, reducing the amount of butter, and using whole wheat breadcrumbs for the topping. Adding extra vegetables like broccoli or spinach can also boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavour.

It is like opting for a salad instead of chips at the pub, a sensible but satisfying choice!