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Ina Garten's chicken casserole served in a cozy dish, perfect for comfort food.

Chicken Casserole

A creamy and savory casserole filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer, perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken Use rotisserie or poached halal chicken
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or cream
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables Frozen peas and carrots work well
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1 cup cooked rice or cubed, day-old bread Use for a rustic texture
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers For topping
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley For garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prepare

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Sauté the Aromatics

  • In a medium pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

Make the Creamy Base

  • Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir to make a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes without browning. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth, then add milk. Simmer until slightly thickened, 3–5 minutes.

Combine the Filling

  • Stir in shredded chicken, vegetables, rice (or bread), thyme, and 1 cup of the cheddar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake

  • Transfer mixture to prepared dish. Top with remaining cheddar and sprinkle panko evenly across the surface. Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Rest and Serve

  • Let casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

Use warm shredded chicken to keep the filling hot and reduce bake time. For a creamier texture, replace half the milk with cream or a full cup of crème fraîche. If the topping browns too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil. To deepen flavor, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine before baking. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven to preserve the crispy top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 32gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 650mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
Keyword chicken casserole, comfort food, Hearty Dinner, Ina Garten, one-dish meal
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