Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe – Comfort Food at Its Best
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you’re craving a hearty, creamy, and comforting dinner, nothing beats a classic chicken casserole with mushrooms and cream sauce. This recipe brings together tender chicken breast strips, golden mushrooms, caramelized onions, and a velvety lemon-infused cream sauce baked to perfection.
It’s one of those family-style meals that feels special but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The best part? You can prepare it in under an hour, and it pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or even crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Mushrooms
2½ lbs chicken breasts (4–5 large), cut into 1-inch thick strips
1½ tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating the chicken)
6 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 lb white mushrooms, thickly sliced
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
For the Creamy Sauce
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups chicken broth
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup half and half (or ½ cup milk + ½ cup heavy cream)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Season the chicken strips with sea salt and black pepper.
Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess. This coating will give the chicken a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Pan-Sear the Chicken
Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish in an even layer.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Aromatics
Add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil to the same skillet.
Sauté the sliced mushrooms for 5 minutes until golden and tender. Remove and set aside.
Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Melt the butter in the skillet, then whisk in the flour to form a roux.
Cook the roux for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
Add lemon juice and half-and-half, stirring constantly.
Let the sauce bubble gently for 3–4 minutes until it thickens.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Return the mushrooms to the sauce and stir well.
Pour the creamy mushroom sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, thyme, or chives if desired.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Casserole
This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even wild rice.
Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or scalloped potatoes.
Pasta: Egg noodles, fettuccine, or penne.
Bread: Garlic bread, French baguette, or sourdough.
Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots.
Tips & Variations
Add cheese: Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan or mozzarella for extra richness.
Lighten it up: Use low-fat milk instead of cream.
Add veggies: Spinach, peas, or zucchini blend beautifully into the sauce.
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika gives it a little kick.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for smaller portions.
Nutrition (per serving – approx. 8 servings)
Calories: 380–420
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 22g
FAQs About Creamy Chicken Casserole
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and often stay juicier.
2. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch for thickening.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Don’t boil the sauce after adding cream; just let it simmer gently until it thickens.
Why This Recipe Works
Perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
Easy, one-pan preparation with a short bake time.
A comforting dish that feels like home-cooked luxury.