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Mary Berry’s Simple and Flavorful Chicken Casserole Recipe
Celebrated culinary expert Mary Berry presents a remarkably straightforward yet exquisitely delicious chicken casserole, ideal for a satisfying family meal. This chicken casserole recipe, designed to serve four to six people, can be prepared in under an hour. Utilizing chicken breasts can further expedite the cooking process, reducing it to a mere 25 minutes. This easy chicken casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Achieving Juicy and Tender Chicken
The esteemed former judge from The Great British Bake Off employs a no-fuss, but highly effective technique to guarantee the chicken remains succulent and tender within the casserole. The addition of bacon not only enhances the flavor profile but also imparts a delightful richness to the dish. This flavorful chicken casserole is incredibly versatile, complementing various side dishes. Berry suggests pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes and nutritious kale for a well-rounded meal. On her website, Mary Berry describes this recipe as, “Simple but tasty and with lots of flavorsome sauce, this is a casserole that you will come back to again and again.”
She further notes that using chicken breasts instead of thighs can shorten the cooking duration considerably, stating, “You could make it with chicken breasts, too, which would reduce the cooking time to 25 minutes.”
Chicken Casserole: Ingredients List
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil
- 8 chicken thighs on the bone, skinless
- 6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, thinly sliced
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 25g plain flour
- 300ml white wine
- 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp muscovado sugar
- 400g button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp chopped thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Preparation
Begin by preheating your oven to 160C (140C for fan-assisted ovens) or Gas Mark three.
Browning the Chicken
In a large, deep, oven-safe pan or casserole dish equipped with a lid, heat one tablespoon of sunflower oil. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Introduce the seasoned chicken to the hot pan and sear over high heat for approximately two to three minutes on each side, until a golden brown crust develops. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan, wrap it in foil to retain warmth, and set aside temporarily.
Sautéing Bacon and Vegetables
Without cleaning the pan, introduce the thinly sliced bacon and onions. Sauté over high heat for three to four minutes, or until the bacon achieves a crispy texture. Incorporate the crushed garlic and continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds, ensuring it becomes fragrant.
Creating the Sauce
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the plain flour with the white wine. Gradually incorporate the wine while whisking continuously to eliminate any lumps and form a smooth, consistent paste. Pour this wine and flour mixture into the pan containing the bacon and onions, followed by the chopped tomatoes and muscovado sugar. Stir all components together thoroughly to ensure even distribution, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Casserole Baking
Once the sauce reaches a simmer, return the browned chicken, along with any accumulated juices, to the pan. Stir gently to ensure the chicken is well coated with the sauce. Secure the lid onto the casserole dish and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender to the touch.
Adding Mushrooms and Thyme
Approximately 10 minutes prior to the anticipated completion of the chicken, heat the remaining tablespoon of sunflower oil in a separate frying pan. Add the sliced button mushrooms and sauté for three to four minutes, or until they achieve a golden hue and are fully cooked and softened. Once cooked, incorporate the sautéed mushrooms and chopped thyme leaves into the chicken casserole, stirring gently to combine.
Serving Suggestion
Serve the Mary Berry chicken casserole immediately while still hot. For an optimal dining experience, accompany it with creamy mashed potatoes and a serving of your preferred green vegetables, such as kale, as suggested by Mary Berry herself.
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