Comforting Chicken Casserole Recipe for Family Dinner Magic

Comfort often arrives in a creamy chicken casserole that whispers memories of home-cooked warmth.

Grandmothers perfected this classic dish through generations of loving care.

Layers of tender meat, velvety sauce, and crisp vegetable edges promise deliciousness in every bite.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners need simple yet satisfying solutions, and this recipe delivers precisely that.

Hearty portions mean everyone leaves the table feeling nourished and content.

You’ll want to bookmark this foolproof method for guaranteed culinary success.

Why Mary Berry Chicken Casserole Is a Favorite

• Craft a Comforting Family Feast: This chicken casserole brings everyone together with its rich, hearty flavors and warm, inviting aroma that promises a satisfying meal.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level cooking skills through easy steps like sautéing, browning, and creating a smooth sauce, perfect for home cooks wanting to improve their culinary expertise.
• Enjoy Versatile One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-pan dish that transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet experience, making weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality dinner with minimal effort, using classic techniques and premium ingredients like wine, creme fraiche, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients List for Mary Berry Chicken Casserole

• Chicken Pieces: Tender meat that forms the heart of this comforting casserole.
• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and depth to the dish.

• Onions: Provides a sweet and savory base for the casserole.
• Mushrooms: Earthy ingredient that adds texture and umami flavor.
• Sage Leaves: Fragrant herb that brings a warm, woodsy note to the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean finish.

• Hot Stock: Creates the base for a flavorful sauce.
• Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the cooking liquid.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Creme Fraiche: Provides a rich, creamy finish to the casserole.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.

• Butter: Used to fry sage leaves and add richness to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Mary Berry Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 160°C (315°F) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle Bacon and Onions

Toss bacon and onions into a hot pan, letting them dance and turn golden brown. Once they’ve reached crispy perfection, scoop them out and set aside.

Step 3: Brown Chicken Pieces

Use the same sizzling pan to brown chicken pieces until they develop a delicious golden crust. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 4: Create a Silky Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the pan, then slowly whisk in hot stock and wine. Watch as the mixture transforms into a luxurious, smooth sauce.

Step 5: Combine All the Goodies

• Herbs
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together to mingle the flavors.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Cover the pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to get to know each other.

Step 7: Add Creamy Mushrooms

• Mushrooms
• Creme fraiche

Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until everything looks irresistibly golden and bubbling.

Step 8: Crisp Up Sage Leaves

Melt butter in a pan and fry sage leaves until they become wonderfully crisp and fragrant.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Sprinkle in some parsley, crown the dish with crispy sage leaves, and serve this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Cooking Tips for Mary Berry Chicken Casserole

• Layer Flavors Strategically: Sauté bacon and onions first to build a deep, rich flavor foundation before adding chicken, ensuring maximum taste development.
• Control Moisture Perfectly: Cover casserole during initial baking to keep chicken tender, then uncover to allow sauce to reduce and thicken naturally.
• Select Chicken Wisely: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness compared to lean breast meat.
• Match Wine Carefully: Choose a dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering other ingredients.
• Crisp Sage Technique: Fry sage leaves briefly in butter until they turn crisp, creating a delicate, aromatic garnish that adds texture and visual appeal.

Fun Variations for Mary Berry Chicken Casserole

• Vegetarian Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, use vegetable stock, and add extra mushrooms for meaty texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap flour with almond flour or coconut flour, use cauliflower instead of traditional base ingredients.
• Mediterranean Style: Substitute wine with lemon juice, add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap herbs to include oregano and thyme.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of creme fraiche, replace butter with olive oil, and skip sage garnish for lighter preparation.

Side Ideas for Mary Berry Chicken Casserole

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy casserole with bright acidity and refreshing notes.
• Serve Rustic Bread: Crusty sourdough or French baguette helps soak up the delicious sauce and provides perfect textural contrast.
• Match Herbal Side Salad: Light green salad with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme balances the hearty chicken casserole's warmth and depth.
• Complement Roasted Vegetables: Herb-roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips echo the dish's earthy flavors and add nutritional variety.

Best Ways to Store Mary Berry Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Place casserole in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74C (165F).
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel.

FAQs on Mary Berry Chicken Casserole

• What type of chicken works best for this casserole?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay moist and tender during slow cooking, providing richer flavor compared to chicken breasts.

• Can I make this recipe without wine?

Yes, replace wine with additional chicken stock or apple juice to maintain moisture and add depth to the sauce without alcohol.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

Not originally. To make it gluten-free, substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when creating the sauce.

• How can I enhance the dish's flavor?

Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried, and consider adding a splash of brandy or using smoked bacon for extra complexity.

Chicken Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty chicken casserole delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending rich flavors and creamy textures into one satisfying meal. Home cooks will savor this classic dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to family dinner tables.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 skinless chicken thighs, bone-in
• 250 g (8.8 oz) dry cured bacon, snipped into small pieces
• 200 g (7 oz) small chestnut mushrooms, quartered

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 large onions, chopped
• 2 large sprigs of thyme
• 1 small bunch of sage, 6 leaves removed for garnish
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 small bunch of parsley, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 30 g (1 oz) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 150 ml (5 fl oz) hot chicken stock
• 150 ml (5 fl oz) dry white wine
• 100 g (3.5 oz) full-fat creme fraiche
• 1 knob of butter
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a 160C (315F) heated oven for the casserole preparation.
2. Render bacon in a skillet until crispy, simultaneously caramelizing onions to develop rich, golden color.
3. Transfer bacon and onions to a separate dish, maintaining pan drippings for subsequent cooking.
4. Sear chicken pieces in the same pan, creating a deep golden-brown exterior to seal in moisture.
5. Dust pan with flour, creating a roux base for the sauce.
6. Gradually incorporate hot stock and wine, whisking continuously to eliminate lumps and create a smooth, velvety sauce.
7. Reintroduce chicken, bacon, and onions into the sauce, seasoning with aromatic herbs, salt, and pepper.
8. Cover casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
9. Fold in sliced mushrooms and luxurious creme fraiche, exposing the dish for an additional 15-20 minutes to concentrate flavors and achieve a slightly thickened consistency.
10. While casserole finishes, quickly crisp sage leaves in bubbling butter until delicately fragrant and crisp.
11. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and strategically placed crispy sage leaves before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly brown chicken by patting it dry before sautéing to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and adds rich flavor.
• Use room temperature stock and wine when creating the sauce to prevent temperature shock and ensure smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Swap creme fraiche with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for dairy-free or lower-fat alternatives that maintain the creamy texture.
• Finely chop sage leaves just before frying to release maximum aromatic oils and create a more intense herb flavor throughout the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg