Creamy Chicken and Pea Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Chicken and pea casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. This recipe elevates the classic dish, making it both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It offers a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and creamy sauce, making it a complete and nutritious meal. We’ll cover every step, from preparing the chicken to baking the casserole to golden perfection.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients.
* **Comforting and Flavorful:** The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and sweet peas create a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and toppings.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love this dish!
* **Great for Meal Prep:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also use cooked shredded chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for a faster prep time.
* **Peas:** 1 (10 oz) package frozen peas. No need to thaw them beforehand; they will cook perfectly in the casserole.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped. Adds a savory base to the casserole.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks celery, chopped. Provides a subtle crunch and aromatic flavor.
* **Carrots:** 1 cup chopped carrots. Adds sweetness and visual appeal.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Used for sautéing the vegetables and creating a rich sauce.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 tablespoons. Thickens the sauce, ensuring a creamy consistency.
* **Chicken Broth:** 2 cups. Provides the liquid base for the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup. Contributes to the richness and creaminess of the sauce.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup. Thins the sauce slightly and adds moisture.
* **Dry Sherry (Optional):** 2 tablespoons. Adds a nutty and complex flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have sherry, you can omit it or substitute with a splash of white wine or lemon juice.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the savory flavors.
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Complements the fresh onion and adds depth.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a warm and earthy aroma.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
* **Egg Noodles or Cooked Rice:** 1 lb cooked egg noodles or 4 cups cooked rice. Provides the base for the casserole. You can also use mashed potatoes.
* **Optional Toppings:** Buttered breadcrumbs, shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan), crushed crackers, crispy fried onions.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Chicken

1. **Cut the Chicken:** Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
2. **Season the Chicken:** In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. **Cook the Chicken (Option 1: Sautéing):** In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Cook the Chicken (Option 2: Baking):** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and seasonings. Spread chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Set aside.
5. **Alternative Chicken Prep (Using Leftovers):** If using pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover), simply shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. No need to cook it further at this stage.

### 2. Sauté the Vegetables

1. **Sauté Onion and Celery:** In the same skillet (or a clean skillet), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. **Add Carrots:** Add the chopped carrots to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender. This ensures that the carrots are not too crunchy in the final casserole.

### 3. Make the Cream Sauce

1. **Make a Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Make sure the flour is fully incorporated into the butter and vegetables to avoid a pasty taste.
2. **Add Chicken Broth:** Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and free of lumps. This is a crucial step to ensure a creamy and lump-free sauce.
3. **Add Cream and Milk:** Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Be careful not to boil the sauce, as this can cause it to curdle.
4. **Add Sherry (Optional):** If using, stir in the dry sherry. This adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
5. **Season the Sauce:** Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that the chicken and vegetables are already seasoned, so be mindful of the overall salt content.

### 4. Assemble the Casserole

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, frozen peas, and cream sauce. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
2. **Add Noodles or Rice:** Add the cooked egg noodles or rice to the bowl. Gently stir to combine, making sure the noodles or rice are coated with the sauce. If using mashed potatoes, spread them in the bottom of the baking dish and then pour the chicken mixture over them.
3. **Transfer to Baking Dish:** Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.

### 5. Bake the Casserole

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Add Toppings (Optional):** If desired, sprinkle the casserole with buttered breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, crushed crackers, or crispy fried onions. These toppings add texture and flavor to the casserole.
3. **Bake:** Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. If using breadcrumbs or cheese, watch carefully to prevent burning.
4. **Rest:** Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as mushrooms, green beans, broccoli florets, or corn. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add Cheese to the Sauce:** Stir in some shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce for an extra cheesy flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free egg noodles or rice and gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce.
* **Add Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, parsley, or sage, to customize the flavor of the casserole.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use a Different Protein:** Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey, ham, or even vegetarian protein like tofu or lentils.
* **Make Ahead:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing:** Chicken and pea casserole can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze, cool the casserole completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.
* **Breadcrumb Topping:** For a crispy breadcrumb topping, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Add 1 cup of breadcrumbs and cook until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle over the casserole before baking.
* **Cheese Topping:** For a cheesy topping, sprinkle 1-2 cups of shredded cheese over the casserole before baking. Cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan are all good choices.
* **Cracker Topping:** For a simple cracker topping, crush 1 cup of crackers (such as Ritz or saltines) and sprinkle over the casserole before baking. You can also mix the crushed crackers with melted butter for extra flavor.
* **Crispy Fried Onion Topping:** For a convenient and flavorful topping, sprinkle a can of crispy fried onions over the casserole before baking.
* **Use Cream of Chicken Soup:** In a pinch, you can substitute the homemade cream sauce with cream of chicken soup. However, the homemade sauce will have a fresher and more complex flavor.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the chicken with sauteed mushrooms, lentils, or cubed tofu for a vegetarian version of this casserole. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Spice it up!** Consider adding a diced jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little kick.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken and pea casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* A side salad
* Steamed green beans
* Garlic bread
* Dinner rolls

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

*(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)*

## Conclusion

This creamy chicken and pea casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, it’s a great option for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a classic comfort food favorite!