Ina Gartens Chicken Casserole Recipe

I have to tell you, when I first tried Ina Gartens Chicken Casserole Recipe, I felt like I’d unlocked the ultimate comfort food. The creamy, hearty goodness of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a buttery breadcrumb topping brought instant smiles to everyone at the table. 

It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, perfect for family gatherings or even a cozy night at home. What’s even better is that it doesn’t take much effort to prepare. It’s flavorful, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying. After tasting it, I couldn’t wait to share the recipe! Trust me, you’ll fall in love with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are plenty of reasons you’ll adore this casserole, but here are the top highlights that make it a crowd favorite:

Easy to Prepare

You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to whip up this tasty casserole. The recipe uses simple steps and common ingredients that make cooking stress-free. With tasks like sautéing vegetables and stirring a creamy sauce, it’s beginner-friendly and fun to make. Plus, using rotisserie chicken can save you even more time.

Customizable for All Tastes

Prefer different veggies or want to make it dairy-free? No problem! This recipe is incredibly flexible for adaptations. Whether you’re swapping ingredients or adding a personal twist, it’s easy to cater to your family’s preferences.

Perfect for Leftovers

This casserole tastes even better the next day, which is great because it makes enough to feed a crowd. You can enjoy it fresh out of the oven or store it for a quick, comforting meal later in the week.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor

The blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crunchy breadcrumb topping is irresistible. It’s a harmony of textures and flavors that feels like pure comfort in every bite. No wonder it’s a family favorite!

Great for Meal Prep

Even if you’ve got a busy schedule, this recipe is a lifesaver. You can prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when ready. It’s as convenient as it is delicious!

Cooking Time

Here’s a breakdown of the cooking time for this dish:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients for Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some ideas to try:

• Use unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat.
• Incorporate spinach or kale for extra greens.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives if needed.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Skillet: For cooking the vegetables and making the sauce.
• Mixing Bowls: To mix the breadcrumb topping.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Casserole Dish: To bake the dish and serve it beautifully.
• Oven: To bake the casserole to golden perfection.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious casserole masterpiece. 🥘

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready when the casserole goes in. 🔥

Sauté the Mushrooms

Melt half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the sliced mushrooms until golden and tender, then remove them from the skillet. This step adds a rich, savory flavor to the casserole. 🍄

Cook the Vegetables

Add the remaining butter to the skillet along with the diced celery and carrots. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. This creates a flavorful base for your creamy sauce. 🥕

Make the Sauce

Stir in the flour, cooking for two minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, making sure there are no lumps. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Combine the Filling

Add the diced chicken, sautéed mushrooms, frozen peas, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir everything together, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. 🍗

Prepare the Topping

Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and melted butter in a bowl. The topping should have a buttery, crumbly texture, perfect for baking.

Assemble the Casserole

Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish. Spread the breadcrumb topping evenly across the top to create that delicious crunch.

Bake to Perfection

Transfer the casserole dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and serve! 🌿

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Ensure the chicken is cooked and diced before starting the recipe to save time.
• Whisk the broth and milk slowly to avoid clumps in the sauce.
• Don’t skip the parsley garnish—it adds a fresh touch to the dish.
• If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

How to Serve Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole?

For a full meal, pair this casserole with a side salad or roasted vegetables. Serving it with warm, crusty bread allows you to scoop up every last bit of the creamy sauce. Garnish the casserole with extra parsley for a vibrant touch.

To elevate the presentation, serve individual portions in ramekins or small casserole dishes. It’s perfect for dinner parties or casual family dinners alike.

Nutritional Information

This casserole is indulgent yet satisfying. Approximate nutrition per serving includes:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 22g

Make Ahead and Storage

This casserole is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble it up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven.

For longer storage, freeze the fully prepared (but unbaked) casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed. Once baked, leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Ina Garten’s Chicken Casserole recipe is a true gem. It’s comforting, versatile, and endlessly satisfying. Whether for a weeknight meal or special occasion, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again. Give it a try, and see why it’s such a beloved classic. 🍲