Hearty Chicken Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Finest

Comfort flows through every delicious chicken casserole bite, promising warmth and satisfaction for hungry souls.

Layers of creamy ingredients promise a hearty meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that doesn’t demand complicated techniques or endless preparation.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with rich, velvety sauces and perfectly seasoned vegetables.

Simple ingredients come together in magical harmony, creating a dish that whispers home and happiness.

Fresh herbs and clever spice combinations elevate this classic comfort food beyond ordinary expectations.

You’ll find this recipe transforms an everyday meal into a memorable dining experience that everyone will request again and again.

Storage Tips For Delia Smith Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 74°C.
• Preheat oven to 180°C. Place casserole in oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Add splash of stock if mixture seems dry.

Delia Smith Chicken Casserole Q&A Guide

• How do I choose the right chicken for this recipe?

Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts for more flavor and moisture. Ensure the chicken is fresh and of good quality for the best taste.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• What if I don't have fresh rosemary?

Dried rosemary works just fine. Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh rosemary called for in the recipe. If you don’t have rosemary, dried thyme or oregano can be good substitutes.

Why Delia Smith Chicken Casserole Is A Favorite

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This chicken casserole transforms complex cooking into a straightforward, one-pan wonder that saves you precious kitchen time and reduces cleanup stress.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Browning chicken and sautéing vegetables in the same pan builds deep, rich layers of taste that elevate this dish from ordinary to restaurant-quality comfort food.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and aromatic rosemary and lemon, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful shared experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair this casserole with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that adapts to different preferences and hunger levels.

Ingredients Used In Delia Smith Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: A tender and juicy protein that forms the heart of this comforting casserole.

• Vegetable Mix (Onions, Carrots, Celery): A classic flavor base that adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Rosemary: A fragrant herb that provides a woodsy and aromatic flavor to complement the chicken.
• Lemon: Adds a bright, citrusy note that helps to balance and lift the overall taste of the casserole.

• Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a rich and smooth sauce for the casserole.
• Hot Stock: Provides moisture and enhances the savory flavor of the entire dish.
• Oil: Helps to brown the chicken and prevent sticking during the initial cooking process.

Easy Steps For Delia Smith Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat a large skillet and add oil. Place chicken pieces in the pan, letting them develop a golden-brown crust. Cook each side carefully until the chicken looks perfectly caramelized. Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Transform Pan with Vegetable Magic

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and start releasing their aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring continuously to coat evenly. Gradually pour in hot chicken stock, whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. The mixture will start to thicken and become smooth.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken and Seasonings

Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Gently add fresh rosemary sprigs and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. The herbs will infuse incredible flavor into the dish.

Step 5: Slow Cook and Bake

Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven. Let the casserole simmer and bake until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce becomes rich and bubbly. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest briefly. Serve alongside crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that will warm everyone’s heart.

Tips To Improve Delia Smith Chicken Casserole

• Achieve Golden Perfection: Pat chicken dry before browning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
• Vegetable Boost: Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking and maximize their caramelization during sautéing.
• Flour Power: Whisk flour thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Herb Harmony: Use fresh rosemary for an intense, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Versatile Serving: Swap mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash for a low-carb alternative that complements the chicken perfectly.

Fresh Versions Of Delia Smith Chicken Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried until golden. Follow original recipe steps, using vegetable stock for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour. Use gluten-free bread crumbs on top for extra crunch. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Magic: Substitute rosemary with oregano and thyme. Add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle feta cheese before baking for a Greek-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip flour completely. Use cauliflower rice instead of bread or mash. Replace chicken with skinless chicken thighs for richer taste and lower carbohydrate content.

What Goes Well With Delia Smith Chicken Casserole

• Elevate Herbal Harmony: Pair this chicken casserole with a crisp, herbaceous white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which mirrors the rosemary and lemon notes in the dish, creating a refreshing and complementary flavor profile.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Choose a rustic sourdough or artisan country bread to soak up the rich, savory sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast and capturing every last drop of the flavorful casserole.
• Vibrant Side Salad: Complement the hearty casserole with a light, zesty green salad featuring mixed spring greens, thinly sliced radishes, and a bright lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and add a fresh, crisp element.

Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty chicken casserole, where layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and golden breadcrumbs dance together. Rich flavors and simple ingredients promise a satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)
• 600 grams (21 ounces) potatoes, chunked
• 600 milliliters (20 fluid ounces) hot chicken stock

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 celery sticks, sliced
• 2 carrots, cut into chunks
• 2 leeks, cut into chunks

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 2 rosemary sprigs
• 1/2 lemon (juice + spent half)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, approximately 10 minutes over medium-high heat. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, sauté diced vegetables until they become tender and slightly caramelized, roughly 5-7 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to create a light roux and prevent lumps from forming.
4. Gradually pour hot chicken stock into the skillet, whisking smoothly to create a velvety sauce.
5. Return browned chicken pieces to the pan, gently nestling them into the sauce.
6. Add fresh rosemary sprigs and bright lemon zest, infusing the dish with aromatic flavors.
7. Simmer the mixture on stovetop for 5 minutes to allow ingredients to meld together.
8. Transfer the entire skillet to a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and sauce thickens.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow sauce to settle.
10. Serve piping hot alongside crusty artisan bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Choose bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor and juicier meat that stays moist during long cooking.
• Pat chicken dry before browning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that seals in delicious juices.
• Low-carb option: Replace flour with almond flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free thickening alternative.
• Customize herbs by swapping rosemary with thyme or sage for a different aromatic profile that complements the chicken’s richness.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35-40 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg