Country Farm Chicken Casserole
Country Farm Chicken Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish that combines tender chicken, fresh garden vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with melted cheese and a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for family dinners, this versatile casserole can be made ahead, customized to your dietary needs, and brings a rustic, flavorful charm to your table.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF version)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth/water with seasoning)
- 1 1/2 cups milk or cream (use dairy-free alternatives for dairy-free version)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, to mix with breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large pan, sauté the chicken in butter over medium heat until cooked through and golden on the outside. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook the chopped onion, minced garlic, and mixed vegetables until tender but still vibrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens into a smooth, creamy base. Season with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and parsley.
- Combine and Assemble: Mix the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce together thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. If using, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top for a crispy crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to let flavors meld and the dish set.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving to brighten flavors.
- Avoid overcooking vegetables; keep them tender-crisp for better texture.
- Choose cheeses that melt well to create a cohesive, bubbly crust.
- Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking to firm up and ease serving.
- Substitute chicken breast with thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken for different flavor and convenience.
- For extra crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter or grated Parmesan before sprinkling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, farm-style casserole, comfort food, family dinner, make-ahead casserole, gluten-free chicken casserole