Description
Ina Garten Chicken Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a flavorful topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this casserole is easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, ensuring no lumps form. Add the heavy cream and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cooked chicken, peas, thyme, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
- To prevent lumps in the sauce, whisk continuously when adding liquid to the roux.
- This casserole can be made ahead. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg