Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole is a perfect dish for those looking for a comforting, hearty meal with minimal effort. Packed with tender chicken, seasonal vegetables, and rich flavors, this casserole simmers slowly to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The slow cooker makes it convenient and hands-off, so you can come home to a delicious, warm dinner ready to be served.
What is Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole?
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole is a wholesome, one-pot meal featuring chicken thighs cooked slowly with vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes. A flavorful broth made from stock, herbs, and seasoning brings it all together. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite vegetables, and the result is a delicious, tender chicken casserole perfect for any day of the week.
Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait
- Jamie Oliver Slow Roast Leg of Lamb
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can set it and forget it.
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with lean chicken and vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
- Perfect for busy days: Prepare everything in the morning, and have a warm dinner waiting for you in the evening.
- Great for meal prep: This dish makes enough for leftovers, which taste even better the next day.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or herbs to make it your own.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
- Chicken thighs (6-8): Skinless and bone-in for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Carrots (3 large): Peeled and sliced, providing sweetness and texture.
- Celery stalks (2): Chopped, adding a slight crunch and flavor.
- Potatoes (4 medium): Cut into chunks, making the casserole hearty and filling.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced, for a fragrant base.
- Onion (1 large): Finely chopped, adding sweetness and depth.
- Chicken stock (500ml / 2 cups): Forms the flavorful broth.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Adds richness and color to the sauce.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): For a hint of earthiness.
- Bay leaves (2): To infuse the dish with aromatic flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (or crockpot)
- Frying pan (for browning the chicken)
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
- Add the remaining ingredients: Add the chopped potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken stock and stir everything together.
- Season: Season with a little more salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook in the Slow Cooker:
- Set the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
4. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and serve the chicken casserole hot. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Steamed green beans: A light, healthy side to complement the hearty casserole.
- Mashed potatoes: Serve with extra mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Rice: A simple side of rice works well to absorb the flavors.
- Side salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
- Brown the chicken first: Browning the chicken adds extra flavor to the dish. It’s worth the extra step for richer results.
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and tender during slow cooking.
- Don’t overfill the slow cooker: Make sure not to overfill the slow cooker, as this can affect how evenly the food cooks.
- Season generously: Be sure to season the dish well, as slow cooking can mellow out the flavors. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like parsnips, leeks, or bell peppers depending on what you have on hand.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
- Use chicken breasts: If you prefer white meat, swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just be mindful that they may cook a little faster.
- Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the casserole a spicy kick.
- Add mushrooms: Stir in some sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Herb twist: Add fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for a burst of freshness at the end.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Label and date: Always label your containers before freezing to track freshness.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
- Stovetop reheating: Reheat the casserole in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave method: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole Healthier?
- Use skinless chicken: Opt for skinless chicken thighs to reduce the fat content.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the amount of vegetables for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use low-sodium stock: Choose low-sodium chicken stock to reduce the salt content.
- Cut down on oil: Use less olive oil when browning the chicken for a lighter dish.
- Reduce carbs: Swap the potatoes for cauliflower or turnips for a low-carb option.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this slow-cooker chicken casserole?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. However, since chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out, it’s best to check them after 3-4 hours of cooking on low to avoid overcooking.
Can I add cream to make the casserole sauce richer?
Yes, you can stir in a splash of cream or crème fraîche at the end of cooking to give the sauce a richer, creamier texture. Add it just before serving for best results.
How do I thicken the sauce in the slow cooker chicken casserole?
To thicken the sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the casserole about 15 minutes before serving.
Can I freeze slow cooker chicken casserole?
Yes, slow cooker chicken casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish for when you want a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables, this slow-cooked casserole is ideal for busy days when you still want to enjoy a wholesome, homemade dinner. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the cozy, rich flavors!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Coronation Chicken
- Jamie Oliver Coronation Chicken
- Delia Smith Chicken Tagine
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagne
- James Martin Slow-cooked Brisket
Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 420
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole is a wholesome, one-pot meal featuring chicken thighs cooked slowly with vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes. A flavorful broth made from stock, herbs, and seasoning brings it all together. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite vegetables, and the result is a delicious, tender chicken casserole perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (6-8): Skinless and bone-in for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Carrots (3 large): Peeled and sliced, providing sweetness and texture.
- Celery stalks (2): Chopped, adding a slight crunch and flavor.
- Potatoes (4 medium): Cut into chunks, making the casserole hearty and filling.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced, for a fragrant base.
- Onion (1 large): Finely chopped, adding sweetness and depth.
- Chicken stock (500ml / 2 cups): Forms the flavorful broth.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Adds richness and color to the sauce.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): For a hint of earthiness.
- Bay leaves (2): To infuse the dish with aromatic flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
- Add the remaining ingredients: Add the chopped potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken stock and stir everything together.
- Season: Season with a little more salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook in the Slow Cooker:
- Set the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
4. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and serve the chicken casserole hot. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
