This Hearty Homestyle Chicken Casserole is like a cozy blanket for your taste buds. With tender chicken and a creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something comforting. It's a family favorite that's both easy to make and satisfyingly filling.
Butter serves as the base for the sauce, imparting richness and helping to sauté the vegetables. Onions, carrots, and celery form the classic mirepoix trio, providing a savory depth of flavor. Flour is used to thicken the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Chicken broth adds moisture and enhances the meaty flavor, while heavy cream offers creaminess without making the dish too heavy. The shredded chicken is the star of the dish, providing protein and heartiness. Peas add a pop of color and slight sweetness. For seasoning, a mix of salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary brings out the best in the other ingredients. Finally, breadcrumbs provide a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
This casserole is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed green beans makes for a lovely balance. A crusty baguette on the side is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. If you're feeling indulgent, a glass of chilled white wine complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's ready for the casserole once assembled. While the oven is warming up, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté them for about 8 minutes until they're tender. You’re looking for the onions to be translucent and the carrots and celery to soften.
Next, stir in the flour, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, which is crucial for removing that raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens. This will take a few minutes, and you’ll notice the sauce becoming creamy and rich.
Now, add the shredded chicken and peas to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken and peas are well-distributed in the sauce. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure every part of the dish is covered.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole for that essential crunch. Place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly at the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the casserole set slightly, making it easier to dish out.
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