Hearty Winter Chicken Casserole (Printable)
A comforting dish with chicken, winter veggies, and creamy herb sauce to warm cold evenings.
# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 large carrots, sliced
03 - 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
04 - 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
05 - 1 leek, sliced
06 - 1 onion, diced
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 7 oz button mushrooms, sliced
→ Sauce
09 - 1 cup chicken stock (gluten-free if required)
10 - ¾ cup heavy cream or dairy-free cream alternative
11 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
15 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Topping
16 - 3 oz grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese, or dairy-free alternative
→ Optional
17 - 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
# How To Cook:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add onion, leek, and garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
04 - Add carrots, parsnips, butternut squash, and mushrooms. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in chicken stock, cream, Dijon mustard, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
06 - Pour the mixture into a large, ovenproof casserole dish.
07 - Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the surface of the mixture.
08 - Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
09 - Remove foil and continue baking uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
10 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under two hours and tastes like you've been simmering it all afternoon.
- The creamy herb sauce practically glues tender chicken to roasted vegetables, making every bite feel intentional.
- You can adapt it for dietary restrictions without losing a shred of comfort and warmth.
02 -
- Don't skip the initial sear on the chicken—it genuinely makes the difference between a good casserole and one that tastes slightly flat.
- If your cream sauce looks thin when you first pour it into the casserole dish, don't panic; it will thicken slightly as the vegetables release their moisture and everything braises together.
03 -
- Taste the sauce before it goes into the oven—seasoning now means you won't have to do it again after baking, when the flavours are harder to adjust.
- Don't be afraid of the cheese topping; it should be generous enough to catch some colour and create a golden crust that adds texture to each spoonful.