Name: Ina Garten Chicken Casserole: 7 Comforting Secrets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium Onion (finely chopped); 2 medium Carrots (diced); 2 stalks Celery (diced); 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1/4 cup Flour (for thickening); 3 cups Chicken stock (homemade preferred); 1 cup Heavy cream; 4 cups Cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well); 1 cup Peas; 1 tablespoon Thyme (fresh leaves); to taste Salt; to taste Pepper (freshly ground); 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup Melted butter; 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan

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Ina Garten Chicken Casserole has been my ultimate comfort dish for years. This easy chicken casserole by Ina Garten is not only a breeze to prepare but also delivers a creamy, flavorful experience that warms the heart. Featuring tender chicken and fresh vegetables enveloped in a delightful sauce, it’s perfect for cozy evenings with family or friends. Let’s dive into the delicious details!

Why You’ll Love This Ina Garten Chicken Casserole

This comforting chicken casserole recipe stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a family-friendly chicken casserole that appeals to both adults and kids. Secondly, it can be prepared in just about 50 minutes, making it a quick chicken casserole recipe for busy weeknights. Thirdly, the creamy sauce is rich and satisfying without being overly heavy, making it a healthy chicken casserole recipe. Additionally, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition. Finally, it’s a dish that embodies wholesome American cuisine, perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients for Ina Garten Chicken Casserole

Gather these items:

1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
2 medium Carrots (diced)
2 stalks Celery (diced)
2 cloves Garlic (minced)
1/4 cup Flour (for thickening)
3 cups Chicken stock (homemade preferred)
1 cup Heavy cream
4 cups Cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
1 cup Peas
1 tablespoon Thyme (fresh leaves)
to taste Salt
to taste Pepper (freshly ground)
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Melted butter
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan

How to Make Ina Garten Chicken Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Step 2: Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in melted butter until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking it for a minute until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in chicken stock and heavy cream until the sauce thickens, around 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the cooked chicken, peas, thyme, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Transfer the creamy mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Ina Garten Chicken Casserole

Keep these in mind:

Use homemade chicken stock for a richer flavor. Learn more about making stock.
Don’t skip the resting time; it helps the casserole set.
Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand.
For an added crunch, swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed crackers.

Best Ways to Serve Ina Garten Chicken Casserole

Here are some serving ideas:

Pair the casserole with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Check out salad recipes here.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Top with additional fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Ina Garten Chicken Casserole

This dish is perfect for meal prep. After cooking, let it cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It can be stored for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Enjoy your comforting chicken casserole recipe even on busy days!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ina Garten Chicken Casserole

What’s the secret to perfect Ina Garten Chicken Casserole?

The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients, especially the chicken stock, which adds depth to the flavor. Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme really elevates the dish.

Can I make Ina Garten Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ina Garten Chicken Casserole?

Be cautious not to overcook the vegetables when sautéing, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Also, ensure you have enough seasoning throughout.

Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Casserole You Can Try

Here are some delightful variations:

Substitute the chicken with turkey for a delicious twist.
Add different vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor.
For a healthier option, use whole-grain pasta instead of breadcrumbs.
Try a creamy mushroom sauce instead of the standard base for a unique taste.