Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen preparing dinner? Do you want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without all the hassle? Then it’s time to dust off your slow cooker and make a mouthwatering chicken casserole! This simple and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken or veggies in your fridge. So, let’s dive in and learn how to create a comforting chicken casserole that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
What makes the slow cooker such a magical kitchen appliance? Well, it allows you to set it and forget it! With minimal effort, you can have a hot and hearty meal waiting for you at the end of a long day. And when it comes to chicken casserole, the slow cooker really shines. The low and slow cooking process ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in tender chicken, melt-in-your-mouth vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce.
Now, let’s talk about the star of our dish – the chicken! Whether you prefer bone-in or boneless, thighs or breasts, the slow cooker can handle it all. Chicken is a versatile protein that absorbs flavors well and stays moist during long cooking times. For our chicken casserole, we recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and juiciness. But feel free to experiment with different cuts and combinations to suit your taste.
Chicken Casserole in the Slow Cooker
When it comes to a comforting and delicious meal, chicken casserole cooked in the slow cooker is hard to beat. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish that is rich and full of depth.
To make a chicken casserole in the slow cooker, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, diced onions, minced garlic, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and diced onions. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the top.
In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and the vegetables should be tender.
Before serving, give the casserole a stir to mix everything together. If desired, you can thicken the sauce by whisking together cornstarch and water and then adding it to the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high until the sauce has thickened.
Serve the chicken casserole hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added flavor. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or for meal prep throughout the week.
So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal, try making chicken casserole in the slow cooker. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
1.5 kg chicken breasts, boneless and skinless 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup diced carrots 1 cup diced celery MAGNIFIQUE 4-Quart Slow Cooker with Casserole Manual Warm Setting - Perfect Kitchen Small Appliance for Family Dinners, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Red (Black)
Amazon.com
1 cup diced onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon salt HOMECOOKIN 4 Quart Casserole Programmable Slow Cooker with Ceramic Baking Dish - Perfect Kitchen Small Appliance for Family Dinners, Oven Safe and Durable...
Amazon.com
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup water 1 cup frozen peas 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley |
Required Ingredients for Chicken Casserole
Preparing a delicious chicken casserole in the slow cooker requires a handful of essential ingredients. These ingredients not only add flavors but also contribute to the overall texture and taste of the dish. Here’s a list of what you will need to make a mouthwatering chicken casserole:
Ingredients | Quantity |
Chicken breast, boneless and skinless | 1 pound |
Onions, diced | 1 medium |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Celery, chopped | 2 stalks |
Carrots, sliced | 2 medium |
Potatoes, peeled and cubed | 2 medium |
Chicken broth | 1 cup |
Canned cream of mushroom soup | 1 can |
Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
Dried thyme | ½ teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Black pepper | To taste |
These ingredients are easily available at your local grocery store, and together they create a delicious and satisfying chicken casserole. Make sure to gather all the ingredients before you begin cooking so that you have everything right at your fingertips.
Instructions
Step 1: Start by prepping the ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice the vegetables.
Step 2: Heat some oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 3: In the same frying pan, add the diced vegetables and sauté until they start to soften. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Give everything in the slow cooker a good stir to evenly distribute the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Step 6: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the lid and stir in frozen peas. Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking until the peas are heated through.
Step 7: Serve the chicken casserole hot with a side of rice or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cook Chicken Casserole
Chicken casserole is a wholesome and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal. Cooking it in a slow cooker makes it even easier and allows the flavors to meld together over several hours. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking chicken casserole in the slow cooker:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients you need. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks of celery, sliced
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, dried thyme, and additional salt and pepper if desired. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Step 6: Cook
Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the chicken casserole cook for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 7: Serve
Once the chicken casserole is done cooking, give it a stir and serve it hot. This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious and hearty chicken casserole ready to enjoy with your loved ones.
Tips and Variations
Here are some helpful tips and variations to customize your chicken casserole in the slow cooker:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more tender and flavorful dish.
- Add your favorite vegetables to the casserole, such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots, for added color and nutrition.
- Experiment with different seasonings to create unique flavor profiles. Try using Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick or Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist.
- If you prefer a creamier casserole, you can add a can of condensed cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup to the mixture.
- For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- If you want to add some extra crunch, top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before serving.
- Feel free to swap out the potatoes for another starch, such as rice or pasta, to switch up the texture and flavor.
- Double the recipe and freeze the leftovers for an easy meal on busy days. Simply transfer the cooled casserole to airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
With these tips and variations, you can customize your chicken casserole in the slow cooker to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to create a delicious and comforting meal.
Questions and answers
What ingredients do I need to make a chicken casserole in the slow cooker?
To make a chicken casserole in the slow cooker, you will need chicken pieces, diced vegetables such as carrots, onions, and celery, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, herbs and spices, and any other desired ingredients such as potatoes or mushrooms.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces for the casserole. However, keep in mind that bone-in pieces may add more flavor to the dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken breasts are fully cooked.