Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender chicken pieces, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for chilly days or family gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare and brings classic British flavors to the table.
What is Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole?
Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole is a rustic, one-pot meal that combines browned chicken with vegetables and herbs, slow-cooked in a rich broth until tender and flavorful. The dish is often served with crusty bread or mashed potatoes, making it a wholesome, satisfying meal for any occasion.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Warm and Comforting: Perfect for cozy family meals.
- Easy to Make: Simple, classic ingredients with minimal prep.
- Rich in Flavor: Slow cooking brings out the best flavors in the chicken and vegetables.
- One-Pot Dish: Convenient for minimal cleanup.
- Versatile: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole
For the Casserole
- 1.5 kg (3 lbs) Chicken Pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix): Adds flavor and tender meat.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For browning the chicken.
- 2 Onions (sliced): Adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 Carrots (sliced): Adds sweetness and color.
- 2 Celery Stalks (sliced): Adds flavor and texture.
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced): For aroma and flavor.
- 200g (1 cup) Mushrooms (sliced): Adds an earthy flavor.
- 2 tbsp Plain Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
- 250ml (1 cup) White Wine or Chicken Stock: Adds depth to the sauce.
- 500ml (2 cups) Chicken Stock: Forms the base of the sauce.
- 1 Bay Leaf: For aromatic flavor.
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme): Adds a hint of herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
For Garnish
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh touch before serving.
Equipment Needed
- Large Oven-Safe Casserole Dish or Dutch Oven: For cooking and baking.
- Tongs: For browning the chicken.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce.
Instructions to Make Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole
Step 1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2. Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add them to the hot oil and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the dish and set it aside.
Step 3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same dish, add the sliced onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and starting to brown.
Step 4. Add Flour and Deglaze
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the white wine (or chicken stock), stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate the flour.
Step 5. Add Stock and Seasonings
Add the chicken stock, bay leaf, and thyme, stirring well to combine. Return the browned chicken pieces to the casserole, nestling them into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 6. Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 7. Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven, discard the bay leaf, and check the seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.
What Goes Well With Chicken Casserole
- Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes – A comforting side that complements the casserole.
- Steamed Green Beans – Adds a fresh, crunchy element.
- Rice or Couscous – Absorbs the flavorful sauce.
- Roasted Root Vegetables – Add extra warmth to the meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Chicken Casserole
For a perfect chicken casserole, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose Bone-In Chicken – It adds extra flavor and tenderness.
- Brown the Chicken and Vegetables – Browning deepens the flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs – Fresh thyme and parsley enhance the dish’s aroma.
- Let it Rest – Allowing the casserole to rest after baking lets the flavors settle.
- Season Carefully – Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole
Try these variations to add different flavors and textures:
- Add Root Vegetables – Potatoes, parsnips, or turnips make it heartier.
- Use Red Wine – Substitute white wine with red for a richer flavor.
- Add Leeks – Swap out onions for leeks for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Add Green Peas – Stir in peas at the end for color and sweetness.
- Add a Splash of Cream – For a creamier sauce, stir in a little cream before serving.
Best Practices to Store Chicken Casserole
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Longer Storage – Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in Oven – Reheat at 160°C (325°F) until heated through, adding a bit of stock if needed to keep it moist.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 400
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQs
Can I Make Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, this chicken casserole can be made a day in advance. Prepare the casserole as directed, let it cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (325°F) until warmed through. The flavors often deepen with time, making it even more delicious.
What Cuts of Chicken Are Best for Chicken Casserole?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, and drumsticks are ideal for casseroles, as they stay tender and add rich flavor to the dish. You can also use a whole cut-up chicken for a mix of white and dark meat.
Can I Freeze Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole?
Yes, chicken casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.
How Do I Thicken the Sauce in Chicken Casserole?
To thicken the sauce, you can add a bit more flour when cooking the vegetables or let the casserole simmer uncovered on the stovetop for a few minutes after baking. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water, then add it to the casserole and simmer until thickened.
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole is a cozy and delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a rich sauce, this casserole is comforting and satisfying. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy every warming bite!
More By British Baking Recipes
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Delia Smith Chicken Casserole
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 90
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole is a rustic, one-pot meal that combines browned chicken with vegetables and herbs, slow-cooked in a rich broth until tender and flavorful. The dish is often served with crusty bread or mashed potatoes, making it a wholesome, satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1.5 kg (3 lbs) Chicken Pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix): Adds flavor and tender meat.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For browning the chicken.
- 2 Onions (sliced): Adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 Carrots (sliced): Adds sweetness and color.
- 2 Celery Stalks (sliced): Adds flavor and texture.
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced): For aroma and flavor.
- 200g (1 cup) Mushrooms (sliced): Adds an earthy flavor.
- 2 tbsp Plain Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
- 250ml (1 cup) White Wine or Chicken Stock: Adds depth to the sauce.
- 500ml (2 cups) Chicken Stock: Forms the base of the sauce.
- 1 Bay Leaf: For aromatic flavor.
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme): Adds a hint of herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
For Garnish
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh touch before serving.
Instructions
Step 1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2. Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add them to the hot oil and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the dish and set it aside.
Step 3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same dish, add the sliced onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and starting to brown.
Step 4. Add Flour and Deglaze
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the white wine (or chicken stock), stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate the flour.
Step 5. Add Stock and Seasonings
Add the chicken stock, bay leaf, and thyme, stirring well to combine. Return the browned chicken pieces to the casserole, nestling them into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 6. Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 7. Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven, discard the bay leaf, and check the seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.
