Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole is a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during the colder months.
It epitomizes comfort food with its hearty, warming qualities and the ease with which it can be prepared.
Delia Smith, a household name in the world of cooking, is renowned for her reliable and delicious recipes that cater to both beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Her Chicken Casserole is no exception, combining simple ingredients in a one-pot dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
What Goes Best with Delia Smith Chicken Casserole
In my experience, Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
For a comforting, hearty meal, I like to serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or a chunk of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Steamed green vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, add a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
A simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette can also offer a crisp contrast to the casserole’s richness.
Ingredients
To make Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole, you’ll need:
- 8 chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work well)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 sticks of celery, sliced
- 200g button mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 300ml chicken stock
- 150ml white wine (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
How to Prepare Delia Smith Chicken Casserole
- Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based casserole dish or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring well to combine. Gradually add the chicken stock and white wine (if using), stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Casserole: Return the chicken pieces to the pot, adding the bay leaf and thyme. Cover with a lid and simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Delia Smith Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 chicken pieces thighs and drumsticks work well
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic crushed
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 sticks of celery sliced
- 200 g button mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 300 ml chicken stock
- 150 ml white wine optional
- 1 bay leaf
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based casserole dish or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring well to combine. Gradually add the chicken stock and white wine (if using), stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Casserole: Return the chicken pieces to the pot, adding the bay leaf and thyme. Cover with a lid and simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Notes
How to Serve Delia Smith Chicken Casserole
This casserole is best served hot, directly from the stove. Place the chicken and vegetables on a serving platter or individual plates, and spoon over the rich, aromatic sauce. Accompany with your choice of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
How to Reheat Delia Smith Chicken Casserole
- Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe container and cover. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes or until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Reheat the casserole in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Store Leftovers of Delia Smith Chicken Casserole
Leftover chicken casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Delia Smith Chicken Casserole
- Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted as they can cook faster than bone-in pieces.
- Is it possible to make this casserole without wine? Absolutely, you can simply omit the wine and use extra chicken stock instead.
Nutritional Information
A serving of Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole (without side dishes) approximately contains:
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Protein: 30-35g
- Sodium: 300-400mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Delia Smith’s Chicken Casserole is a balanced and nutritious meal, offering a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals from the chicken and vegetables. It’s a comforting dish that can fit into a healthy, balanced diet when served with appropriate side dishes.
