Country Chicken Casserole: A Hearty & Delicious Family Meal

Country chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food – a warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is a delicious blend of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare or a dish to impress guests, this country chicken casserole is a winner.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Hearty and Filling:** Packed with protein and vegetables, this casserole is a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This casserole is great for making ahead of time and reheating later.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

* **Chicken:** 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken breasts will be leaner, while thighs will be more flavorful and moist.
* **Vegetables:**
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup frozen corn
* 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional)
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
* **Sauce:**
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup milk or half-and-half (for extra creaminess)
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste
* **Topping:**
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
* 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
* 2 tablespoons melted butter (if using bread crumbs)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk
* Spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious country chicken casserole.

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. If using mushrooms and bell peppers, add them to the skillet during the last few minutes of sautéing.
3. **Set Aside:** Remove the sautéed vegetables from the skillet and set them aside in a bowl.

**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**

1. **Brown the Chicken:** In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter (1/4 cup). Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Brown the chicken on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
2. **Remove from Skillet:** Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the sautéed vegetables.

**Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce**

1. **Make a Roux:** In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
2. **Add Chicken Broth:** Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. **Add Milk and Seasonings:** Stir in the milk or half-and-half, dried thyme, dried sage, black pepper, and salt. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the browned chicken, sautéed vegetables, frozen peas, and frozen corn. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir gently to combine.
2. **Transfer to Baking Dish:** Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

**Step 5: Add the Topping (Optional)**

1. **Cheese Topping:** Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. **Bread Crumb Topping (Optional):** In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the cheese. This will add a crunchy texture to the casserole.

**Step 6: Bake the Casserole**

1. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. **Rest:** Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents the casserole from being too watery.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

Serve the country chicken casserole hot. It’s delicious on its own or served with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a green salad.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables, such as broccoli florets, green beans, or potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add Bacon:** For extra flavor, cook some bacon and crumble it over the top of the casserole before baking.
* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** To save time, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken yourself.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
* **Add Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, parsley, or oregano, to customize the flavor of the casserole.
* **Use Cream of Chicken Soup:** For a shortcut, you can substitute the homemade sauce with 2 cans of cream of chicken soup. However, the homemade sauce will have a richer and more complex flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour to make the sauce and gluten-free bread crumbs for the topping.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives.
* **Add a Crust:** Instead of a breadcrumb or cheese topping, consider adding a pie crust on top for a more traditional pot pie feel.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Mashed Potatoes:** A classic pairing that soaks up the creamy sauce.
* **Rice:** White or brown rice are both great options.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy side dish.
* **Crusty Bread:** Perfect for sopping up the sauce.
* **Biscuits:** Warm, buttery biscuits complement the casserole beautifully.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

**Make-Ahead:**

You can assemble the country chicken casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

**Storage:**

Store leftover country chicken casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g per serving
* Fat: 25-35g per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g per serving

## Conclusion

Country chicken casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory vegetables, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that your family will love!

## Recipe Card

**Country Chicken Casserole**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup frozen corn
* 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional)
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup milk or half-and-half
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional)
* 2 tablespoons melted butter (if using bread crumbs)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in 2 tablespoons of butter until softened. Add mushrooms and bell pepper (if using) for the last few minutes.
3. Set vegetables aside. Melt remaining butter and brown chicken pieces. Set aside with vegetables.
4. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking constantly. Stir in milk, thyme, sage, pepper, and salt. Simmer until thickened.
5. In a large bowl, combine chicken, vegetables, peas, corn, and creamy sauce.
6. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bread crumbs (if using).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

**Enjoy!**