Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Casserole is the comfort food of your dreams—impossibly creamy, packed with tender chicken and colorful veggies, and finished with a velvety sauce that begs to be ladled over a mound of mashed potatoes. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or aiming to wow guests, this dish wraps everyone in a blanket of savory goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Creamy Chicken Casserole shine is its lineup of everyday ingredients that work some real magic when brought together. Each one plays a role in creating the ultimate balance of flavor, color, and melt-in-your-mouth texture—no oddball or hard-to-find items here!

• Olive oil: Gives the veggies a head start by softening and gently flavoring them without overwhelming the dish.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base note that infuses the whole casserole with warm flavor.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness and pop of color make every bite as pretty as it is delicious.
• Celery: Delivers a subtle earthiness and satisfying crunch in every spoonful.
• Garlic: Crushed fresh garlic brings an irresistible aromatic punch.
• Butter: Enriches the sauce, helping toast the flour for depth and silkiness.
• Flour: Works with the butter to create a roux, giving your sauce its dreamy body.
• Chicken stock: Boosts the savory umami quotient and forms the saucy backbone.
• Boneless chicken breast: Tender, protein-packed chicken soaks up the creamy sauce and stays juicy.
• Frozen peas: They add a pop of green and a little natural sweetness—plus no chopping required!
• Cream: The key ingredient for all that silky, rich goodness you expect in a Creamy Chicken Casserole.
• Cornflour (cornstarch): Makes the sauce extra luscious, with just the right cling for your mashed potatoes.
• Mashed potato (to serve): A fluffy base to soak up every last drop of the sauce.
• Chopped Italian parsley (to serve): For that fresh, herby finish that brightens up the whole dish.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Creamy Chicken Casserole is just how easy it is to riff on, using whatever you have on hand or catering to your crew’s preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started—feel free to make it your own!

• Swap the chicken: Use boneless chicken thighs for an extra-juicy, flavorful twist, or even leftover cooked roast chicken.
• Add more veggies: Toss in mushrooms, corn, bell peppers, or green beans to pack in even more color and nutrition.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free flour for the roux and ensure your stock is GF-certified.
• Chicken Pot Pie version: Pour half your casserole filling into a pie dish, top with a buttery sheet of puff pastry, and bake for a show-stopping meal.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Start by heating your casserole dish over medium heat and pouring in the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them gently sizzle for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and everything is softened—this lays a flavorful base for the whole casserole.

Step 2: Toast the Garlic and Build the Roux

Stir in the crushed garlic and let it cook until you can really smell its nutty aroma, just a minute or so. Then make a small space in the center, drop in the butter, and when it starts bubbling, sprinkle over the flour. Stir well to coat the veggies and cook for two minutes—this gets rid of any floury taste and gives the sauce a golden, toasty flavor.

Step 3: Add Stock and Chicken

Pour in half the chicken stock and scrape up any tasty stuck-on bits from the bottom (that’s pure flavor!). Add the remaining stock, then slip in your diced chicken breast. Give it a gentle stir so everything mingles.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender

Pop the lid on and transfer the casserole to a preheated 180°C oven. Let it bake for 45 minutes so the chicken turns juicy and all the flavors meld together—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 5: Stir in the Cream, Peas & Thicken

Remove the dish from the oven, then pour in the thawed peas and cream. Mix the cornflour with a splash of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, for a final 15 minutes so the sauce thickens beautifully and turns luscious and glossy. Don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper before serving!

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the bubbling Creamy Chicken Casserole over a pillowy scoop of mashed potatoes and sprinkle with fresh parsley. This is comfort food in its happiest form!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

For the prettiest (and tastiest) finish, shower your Creamy Chicken Casserole with a generous handful of fresh chopped Italian parsley. Not only does it add a pop of color, but that little flash of herbal freshness brightens up all the rich, savory flavors. If you love a bit of zest, a sprinkle of lemon zest or a dusting of black pepper also works wonders.

Side Dishes

The classic duo of Creamy Chicken Casserole and mashed potatoes can’t be beat, but don’t stop there! Try serving it alongside steamed green beans, buttered peas, or a crisp garden salad for balance. Crusty bread is a perfect choice if you want to mop up every last drop of sauce—no judgment here.

Creative Ways to Present

To make things extra special, you can portion your casserole into individual ramekins, cover each with a round of puff pastry, and bake for a mini pot pie presentation—adorable and crowd-pleasing! Or try serving it family-style in a gorgeous casserole dish with a dramatic scattering of parsley for those big Sunday dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken Casserole is pure gold for easy weeknight meals. Once cooled, pop any extras into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—you might even find the flavors deepen and improve overnight!

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully, so don’t hesitate to stash away single portions or a whole batch for later. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a cozy meal on demand.

Reheating

For the best texture, gently reheat your casserole in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of stock or cream to loosen if needed. It also reheats nicely in the microwave—just make sure it’s piping hot before serving. Give it a good stir to reincorporate the sauce, and enjoy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s both soul-soothing and packed with flavor, give this Creamy Chicken Casserole a try. It’s a recipe that never fails to bring everyone to the table, and once you taste that silky sauce and tender chicken, you’ll know why it’s a forever favorite. Happy cooking!

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