Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish bubbling away in the oven, and this Creamy Chicken Casserole is just the recipe to bring warmth and joy to your table. With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a luscious creamy sauce, it’s everything you want in a comfort meal, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying family gathering.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Casserole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Olive oil: Provides a subtle richness and helps the veggies cook to tender perfection.
• Onion, carrots, and celery: The holy trinity of flavor, adding depth and sweetness.
• Garlic: Infuses a burst of aromatic goodness.
• Butter and flour: Together, they form the roux that thickens our delightful sauce.
• Chicken stock: The base of our sauce, adding savory notes and moisture to the casserole.
• Boneless chicken breast: Tender chunks stew to juicy perfection in the casserole.
• Frozen peas: Add a pop of color and fresh sweetness.
• Cream: The key to that lush, creamy sauce that envelops every bite.
• Cornflour: Ensures our sauce achieves just the right thickness.

Variations

This Creamy Chicken Casserole is fabulously adaptable to your tastes or what you have in your pantry. Here are some delightful variations to consider:

• Add Some Spice: Stir in a teaspoon of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Go Veggie: Use vegetable stock and swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms and chickpeas.
• Cheesy Delight: Stir in a cup of your favorite shredded cheese before baking for an extra cheesy finish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Basics

Preheat your oven to 180°C fan bake. In a large cast-iron casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery, letting them sauté for about five minutes until the onion begins to soften and release its sweetness.

Step 2: Build the Base

Stir in the garlic until fragrant. Then, create a small gap in the pan’s center and add the butter. As it bubbles, sprinkle over the flour, stirring vigorously to form a smooth roux. Cook this roux for about two minutes, avoiding browning.

Step 3: Chicken and Stock

Pour in half of the chicken stock, using a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan’s bottom—a crucial step for flavor! Add the rest of the stock, followed by the diced chicken. Place the lid on your dish and transfer it to the oven for a 45-minute bake.

Step 4: Cream It Up

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven, stir in the peas and creamy goodness. Mix the cornflour with cold water, adding it to the dish and stirring everything together. A final 15-minute uncovered bake thickens it up beautifully!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

This casserole really shines with a sprinkle of freshly chopped Italian parsley right before serving. It not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that complements the creamy richness of the dish.

Side Dishes

A creamy chicken casserole is perfectly complemented by serving it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. You can also pair it with a side of crusty bread to mop up all that delicious sauce or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try converting your casserole into individual pot pies. Simply spoon the casserole into ramekins, top with a circle of puff pastry, and bake until the pastry is golden and flaky. It makes for an impressive, personalized presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat a portion in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat until heated through.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. After cooking, allow it to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, label, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your portion to a pan and warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. Alternatively, you can microwave it, covered, in short bursts to prevent any sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both a crowd-pleaser and simple to prepare, this Creamy Chicken Casserole is it. I can already picture your family gathered around, enjoying the comforting aromas and flavors. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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