Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful creamy chicken casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of tender meat mingle with velvety sauce and crisp vegetables.

Hearty ingredients come together in one delicious pan.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Fragrant herbs and melted cheese create a mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen.

Families gather around, eagerly anticipating each delectable bite.

Grab your favorite baking dish and let’s make magic happen.

Ingredients For James Martin Creamy Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of this comforting casserole dish.

• Mushrooms, Onions, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

• Flour, Salt, Pepper: Essential for creating a smooth, well-seasoned sauce and coating the chicken.
• Butter, Chicken Stock, Half-and-Half: Create a rich and creamy base for the casserole sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note to balance the creamy sauce.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing chicken and vegetables to achieve golden browning.

• Mashed Potatoes, Pasta, Rice: Ideal accompaniments to serve with the creamy chicken casserole.

How To Make James Martin Creamy Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Cooking

Coat chicken pieces with flour, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Brown Chicken Perfectly

Carefully place chicken in hot oil, cooking until golden brown on both sides. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring each piece gets a beautiful sear.

Step 3: Transfer Chicken to Baking Dish

Move browned chicken pieces into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

• Sliced mushrooms
• Chopped onions

Cook until vegetables become tender and develop a golden color.

Step 5: Add Aromatic Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the vegetable mixture, cooking for an additional minute to release its fragrant flavor.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce Base

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook until the mixture turns light golden brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 7: Build Sauce Layers

• Chicken stock
• Lemon juice
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 8: Finish Sauce with Cream

Pour in half-and-half, stirring continuously. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 9: Combine and Bake

Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables in the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta
• Rice

Cooking Tips For James Martin Creamy Chicken Casserole

• Seal in Flavor: Thoroughly flour and season chicken to create a delicious golden crust that locks in moisture and enhances taste.
• Manage Pan Space: Cook chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring each piece browns evenly and develops rich caramelization.
• Create Depth: Sauté mushrooms and onions until golden to add layers of savory flavor and enhance the overall complexity of the dish.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk flour and butter carefully to create a smooth roux, preventing lumps and achieving a silky, creamy sauce texture.
• Boost Serving Versatility: Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to transform this casserole into a flexible meal that suits different preferences.

Ways To Change James Martin Creamy Chicken Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice or pasta with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version. Reduce flour coating and use almond flour instead for a lower-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap half-and-half with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add dried oregano, rosemary, and thyme to the sauce. Replace chicken stock with white wine for a more complex flavor profile. Garnish with fresh parsley for an elevated Mediterranean touch.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Coat alternative protein with cornstarch for similar crispy texture and golden appearance.

Perfect Pairings With James Martin Creamy Chicken Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a buttery, medium-bodied Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce and enhances the rich chicken flavors, cutting through the dish's heaviness with its bright acidity.
• Create Rustic Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a zesty contrast.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast colorful vegetables like asparagus, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic to provide a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment that adds texture and freshness to the creamy chicken dish.

How To Keep James Martin Creamy Chicken Casserole Fresh

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing for longer periods to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Stir halfway through reheating to distribute heat evenly.

FAQ Guide For James Martin Creamy Chicken Casserole

• Why flour the chicken before cooking?

Flouring helps create a golden-brown crust and locks in moisture, ensuring the chicken stays tender and develops a delicious crispy exterior during cooking.

• Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests regular mushrooms, you can easily substitute with cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms based on your preference or availability.

• Is half-and-half necessary for the sauce?

Half-and-half adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, but you can substitute with heavy cream or whole milk if needed. Each option will slightly alter the sauce’s texture and flavor.

• How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, which ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat without drying out the meat.

Why James Martin Creamy Chicken Casserole Is So Comforting

• Tackle Any Skill Level: Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks, this recipe walks you through each step with clear instructions, making it impossible to mess up.
• Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Magically turn simple chicken, mushrooms, and pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, making this recipe a chameleon that adapts to whatever you're craving or have on hand.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for sautéing chicken, mushrooms, and creating a luxurious sauce, saving you time and effort.

Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy chicken casserole, where tender chicken nestles between layers of velvety sauce and golden breadcrumbs. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a warm embrace that transports you straight to grandma’s kitchen with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2.5 pounds (1.1 kilograms) chicken breasts

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 pound (454 grams) white mushrooms
• 1 medium onion
• 3 garlic cloves

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1.5 teaspoons sea salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating chicken)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for sauce)

Fats and Liquids:

• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup half and half (or 0.5 cup milk + 0.5 cup heavy cream)

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Instructions

1. Dust chicken pieces with seasoned flour, ensuring even coating on both sides.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, cooking until golden brown on each side.
4. Transfer browned chicken to a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
5. In the same skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms and diced onions until tender and caramelized.
6. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing aromatic flavors.
7. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour, creating a light roux and cooking until golden.
8. Gradually pour in chicken stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
9. Incorporate lemon juice and pepper, stirring to create a smooth sauce.
10. Gently stir in half-and-half, simmering until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
11. Pour sauce over chicken and mushroom mixture, ensuring even distribution.
12. Cover baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until chicken is tender.
13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

Notes

• Prep chicken evenly by patting dry before flouring to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Work in batches when browning chicken to maintain high pan heat, preventing steaming and achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.
• Choose low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely during sauce preparation.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour, maintaining the sauce’s creamy texture and rich consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 446
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 704 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 114 mg