Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this mouthwatering creamy chicken delight casserole recipe delivers comfort straight to your table.
Rich, velvety layers of tender chicken and dreamy sauce promise an instant crowd-pleaser.
Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Every forkful brings together classic flavors that dance across your taste buds with remarkable harmony.
Cheesy, creamy, and utterly satisfying, this casserole turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness.
Dive into this irresistible culinary experience and watch as smiles spread around your dining table.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: 460 kcal
Servings: 5
What Goes Into Chicken Casserole
For Aromatic Base:
Onion: Provides sweet, foundational flavor that forms the flavor backbone of the casserole.
Carrot: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color to enhance the dish's overall appeal.
Celery: Contributes a delicate herbal undertone and crisp texture to the base.
Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent depth that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
For Protein and Liquid:
Chicken Fillets: Tender, lean protein that absorbs surrounding flavors and creates the main substance of the casserole.
Chicken Stock: Delivers rich, savory liquid base that intensifies the overall depth of the dish.
Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture and adds a smooth, rich dimension to the sauce.
For Thickening and Finishing:
Butter: Provides rich, golden flavor and helps create a smooth, velvety base for the sauce.
Flour: Acts as a natural thickener to create a robust, creamy consistency.
Cornflour: Ensures final sauce reaches perfect, glossy thickness without lumps.
Peas: Introduces bright color, sweet pop of flavor, and nutritional boost to the casserole.
Tools That Make Chicken Casserole Easier
Equipment & Tools:
Large cast-iron casserole dish: Essential for sautéing vegetables and baking the entire meal.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and scraping the dish bottom.
Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add ingredients like flour and cornflour.
Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables and chicken.
Sharp knife: Ideal for dicing chicken fillets and vegetables with precision.
Measuring cups: Ensures correct liquid measurements for stock and cream.
How to Prepare Chicken Without Stress
Oven Preparation Warm up your cooking space by setting the oven to a cozy temperature that'll make your kitchen feel inviting.
Veggie Dance Start sizzling your chopped vegetables in a pan, letting them mingle and release their delicious aromatics until they become soft and fragrant.
Flavor Boost Introduce minced garlic and a pat of butter, allowing them to create a golden, mouth-watering base that'll make your kitchen smell incredible.
Silky Smooth Transformation Sprinkle in a light dusting of flour, stirring carefully to create a magical roux that'll give your dish a luxurious texture.
Liquid Magic Pour in chicken stock, gently scraping the pan to capture all those delicious hidden flavors. Drop in tender chicken pieces that will soon become melt-in-your-mouth delights.
First Baking Adventure Tuck your creation into the oven, letting it bubble and transform into a comforting masterpiece that promises warmth and satisfaction.
Final Flourish Rescue your dish from the oven, then introduce sweet green peas and rich cream, creating a dreamy, velvety landscape of flavors.
Thickening Touch Whisk together a quick cornflour mixture to give your casserole that perfect, luxurious consistency that clings lovingly to every morsel.
Golden Finish Return the casserole to the oven for a final dance, allowing it to transform into a golden, bubbling treasure that'll have everyone rushing to the table.
Cooking Tips for Texture and Flavor
Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or tofu for a delightful twist on the classic recipe. Each protein brings its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
Vegetable Boost: Experiment with additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the casserole.
Cheese Lover's Delight: Sprinkle grated cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella on top during the final baking stage for a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds rich, melty goodness.
Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor by stirring in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley just before the final baking. These herbs will elevate the casserole's aromatic profile and bring a garden-fresh taste.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, without compromising on taste or texture.
How to Serve This Comfort Classic With Style
Rustic Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and serve this hearty casserole with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
Wholesome Grain Companion: Pair the casserole with fluffy brown rice or quinoa to add extra nutrition and create a balanced, filling meal that everyone will enjoy.
Fresh Green Contrast: Add a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to bring a refreshing touch that cuts through the richness of the creamy chicken dish.
Comfort Plating Magic: Ladle the casserole into deep bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and an extra layer of fresh herb flavor that elevates the entire dining experience.
How to Store Chicken Casserole
Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly to lock in flavors and prevent moisture loss, keeping your casserole fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer-Friendly Technique: Freeze portions in individual freezer-safe containers or sealed bags. This method allows quick reheating and maintains the casserole's creamy texture. Enjoy within 2-3 months for optimal taste and quality.
Reheating Magic: Warm individual servings in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 160°C for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of extra cream to restore moisture and richness.
Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven straight from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time. This approach saves time and ensures a fresh, hot meal with minimal effort.
Succulent chicken meets creamy goodness in this chicken delight casserole, a comforting midwestern classic. Hearty layers of tender chicken, rich sauce, and crispy topping promise a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
1 kg (2.2 lbs) boneless chicken fillets, diced
750 ml (3.17 cups) chicken stock
1 cup cream
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
4 cloves garlic, crushed
3 tbsps cornflour
2 tbsps flour
1 tbsp butter
2 tsps olive oil
Italian parsley, chopped
Mashed potato
Instructions
Prepare the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C, creating an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
Sauté Aromatic Base: In a cast-iron casserole dish, heat olive oil and combine onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium heat until vegetables soften and release their fragrant essence, approximately five minutes.
Build Flavor Foundation: Introduce crushed garlic to the vegetable mixture. Create a well in the center and melt butter until golden and bubbling. Sprinkle flour over the butter, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free roux. Toast the mixture briefly to develop rich, nutty undertones.
Develop Liquid Base: Deglaze the dish with chicken stock, using a wooden spoon to release caramelized bits. Add chicken fillets, ensuring they are fully immersed in the liquid.
Initial Baking Phase: Cover the casserole and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
Final Touches: Remove the casserole and fold in green peas and cream. Create a cornflour slurry by mixing cornflour with cold water, then gently incorporate it to thicken the sauce.
Finishing Bake: Return the uncovered dish to the oven for a final 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to achieve a velvety, luxurious consistency that promises a delectable dining experience.
Notes
Prep Like a Pro: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution in every bite.
Roux Mastery: Whisk flour and butter continuously to prevent lumps and develop a rich, nutty base for the sauce.
Temperature Control: Keep oven heat consistent at 180°C to guarantee perfect chicken tenderness and sauce development.
Slurry Secrets: Mix cornflour with cold water separately before adding to prevent clumping and ensure smooth sauce thickening.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.