If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender diced chicken simmered in a luscious cream sauce, mingled with vibrant vegetables and baked to bubbling perfection, it’s a meal that brings rich flavors and satisfying textures together effortlessly. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this casserole hits all the right notes with its creamy consistency and rustic charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients — each one adding depth, texture, and balanced flavors that transform into a memorable dish. Every item plays a key role, from the aromatic vegetables to the creamy sauce that wraps around the tender chicken pieces.
- 2 tsp olive oil: A simple base to start your sautéing and add a subtle fruity twist.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet, savory backbone as it softens and caramelizes.
- 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped: Brings a natural sweetness and pleasant bite to the casserole.
- 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and aromatic flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed: Infuses the dish with fragrant warmth and depth.
- 1 Tbsp butter: Enhances the richness and helps create the roux for the creamy sauce.
- 2 Tbsp flour: Thickens the sauce beautifully without overpowering the other tastes.
- 750 ml chicken stock: Provides a savory base that complements the chicken and veggies.
- 1 kg boneless chicken breast, diced: The hearty protein that makes this casserole fulfilling and delicious.
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed: Adds pops of color and a touch of natural sweetness when baked inside.
- 1 cup cream: Creates the signature creamy texture that defines this comforting casserole.
- 3 Tbsp cornflour: Helps achieve the perfect thick and velvety sauce consistency.
- Mashed potato: Ideal for serving as a soft, buttery base to soak up every bit of sauce.
- Italian parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbal garnish that brings brightness to the final dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Kick things off by heating your oven to 180°C fan bake. This steady temperature sets the stage for perfectly cooked chicken and vegetables, ensuring they meld together beautifully during baking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat your cast-iron casserole dish over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to sauté for around five minutes, just until the onions start to soften and their natural sweetness begins to emerge. This step layers the foundation of flavor in your Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter
Stir in the crushed garlic, letting its aroma fill the kitchen. Then, carefully create a little well in the veggies and drop in the butter. Wait for it to bubble — this signals perfect melting and readiness to support the next step for the sauce base.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggie-butter mix, stirring constantly. Cooking this mixture for about two minutes removes that raw flour taste and starts to thicken your sauce, crucial for that creamy dreaminess.
Step 5: Deglaze and Add Chicken
Slowly pour half the chicken stock into the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This technique, called deglazing, intensifies your dish’s depth. Next, add the remaining stock along with your diced chicken breasts, readying everything for the oven bake.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Place a lid over your casserole dish and slide it into the oven. Let everything bake together for 45 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through gently while the vegetables soften to tender perfection.
Step 7: Add Peas, Cream, and Thicken
After removing the casserole from the oven, stir in the thawed peas and cream for that signature lusciousness. Mix the cornflour with some cold water to make a smooth slurry, then blend it into the dish. Pop the casserole back uncovered for 15 more minutes to thicken up the sauce into a rich, glossy finish.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Finally, taste your casserole and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and sprinkle with fresh chopped Italian parsley — simple touches that really make the flavors pop.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped Italian parsley is a classic choice that adds freshness and color. For a little extra indulgence, a shave of Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika can also enhance the visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines brightest served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up all the creamy sauce. You can also pair it with crusty bread to scoop every last bite or a simple green salad for a crisp contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, serve this dish family-style directly from a lovely casserole dish placed in the center of the table, inviting everyone to dive in. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust for an elegant personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover casserole in suitable containers for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing to preserve texture, and thaw it overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven at 160°C or on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This approach prevents the sauce from splitting and keeps the chicken moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content, making your casserole even more indulgent.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream with coconut cream or a creamy plant-based alternative and use dairy-free butter or oil instead. The texture will still be creamy and delicious.
How can I thicken the sauce without cornflour?
If cornflour isn’t available, you can use arrowroot powder, potato starch, or simply reduce the sauce by simmering it uncovered to achieve the desired thickness.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sweetcorn, or green beans work beautifully and add extra flavor and texture to the casserole.
What’s the best way to make mashed potatoes for serving?
For perfectly creamy mash, use butter and a splash of cream or milk, and mash while the potatoes are still hot. Season well with salt and pepper to complement the casserole.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe enough for anyone who loves hearty, soulful food that’s easy to prepare but feels utterly special. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your heart with warmth. Give it a try — I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals!
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Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy chicken casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Tender chicken breast pieces and a medley of vegetables simmer in a rich, creamy sauce thickened with a cornflour slurry, then baked to perfection and served over fluffy mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh Italian parsley.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 750 ml chicken stock
- 1 kg boneless chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup cream
- 3 Tbsp cornflour
- Mashed potato, to serve
- Italian parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C fan bake to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large cast-iron casserole dish over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery for about five minutes until the onion starts to soften.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Stir in crushed garlic, then create a small gap in the dish and add butter. Wait until it begins to bubble.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the butter and vegetables, then stir well to combine. Cook for two minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Stock and Chicken: Gradually pour in half of the chicken stock while deglazing the base with a wooden spoon. Add the remaining stock, then add the diced chicken breasts.
- Bake Covered: Cover with a lid and transfer the dish to the oven. Bake for 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Add Peas, Cream and Thicken: Remove from oven. Add thawed peas and cream. Mix the cornflour with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the casserole. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use boneless chicken breast for even cooking and easier dicing.
- The casserole can be prepared up to step 6 in advance, then finished and baked just before serving.
- For a richer flavor, substitute cream with half-and-half or a mix of cream and milk.
- If you don’t have a cast-iron casserole dish, any oven-safe heavy pot with a lid will work.
- Leftover casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
