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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Sear chicken pieces in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, approximately 10 minutes over medium-high heat. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced vegetables until they become tender and slightly caramelized, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to create a light roux and prevent lumps from forming.
- Gradually pour hot chicken stock into the skillet, whisking smoothly to create a velvety sauce.
- Return browned chicken pieces to the pan, gently nestling them into the sauce.
- Add fresh rosemary sprigs and bright lemon zest, infusing the dish with aromatic flavors.
- Simmer the mixture on stovetop for 5 minutes to allow ingredients to meld together.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow sauce to settle.
- 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