There’s something undeniably satisfying about a slow-cooked, richly flavored chicken casserole—the kind that fills your kitchen with warmth and mouthwatering aromas. Mary Berry’s Chicken Casserole is one of those dishes: simple yet elegant, comforting yet packed with layers of flavor.
At the heart of this recipe are succulent chicken thighs, browned to perfection and simmered in a luxurious, creamy sauce infused with smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs.
The secret? A splash of dry white wine and sage, giving the dish its signature depth and restaurant-worthy taste. The result is a dish that’s as effortless as it is impressive—ideal for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
This casserole pairs beautifully with Mashed Potatoes, which soak up every bit of that creamy, herby sauce. For dessert, a refreshing Strawberry Icebox Pie adds a sweet, chilled contrast to this hearty meal.
The best part? This dish is naturally low in carbs and can be thickened with xanthan gum for a keto-friendly option, making it a fantastic choice for those watching their carb intake without sacrificing indulgence. No wonder it’s a favorite among home cooks looking for a nutritious yet deeply satisfying meal.
What’s So Special About This Dish?
- It’s incredibly easy to make: No complicated steps—just a few simple techniques that bring out maximum flavor.
- The sauce is a game-changer: The combination of wine, crème fraîche, and herbs creates a rich, silky sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
- Perfect for meal prep: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly: Swap cornflour for xanthan gum, and you’ve got a low-carb comfort food that fits many dietary needs.
- Customizable to your taste: Add root vegetables, swap white wine for red, or use fresh thyme for an herby boost—this recipe welcomes creativity!
Mary Berry Chicken Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Casserole dish with a lid
- Chopping board & knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
Chicken Casserole:
- 8 chicken thighs
- salt and pepper to season
- 1 tsp sunflower oil
- 8 strips smoked streaky bacon diced
- 1 large onion finely diced
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- 200 g 7 oz mushrooms sliced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
- 4 fresh sage leaves or small sage sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 120 ml ½ cup dry white wine
- 120 ml ½ cup hot chicken stock from a stock cube
- 250 g 1 cup full fat creme fraiche or sour cream
- 1 tsp xanthan gum or 2 tsp cornflour diluted in a little cold water
Fried Sage:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- large fresh sage leaves
Instructions
- Season & Sear the Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan, sear the chicken until golden brown, then set aside.
- Cook the Bacon & Veggies: In the same pan, fry diced bacon until crispy. Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms, cooking until softened.
- Add Herbs & Deglaze: Stir in thyme, sage, and bay leaves. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, letting it reduce for 2 minutes.
- Simmer with Stock: Add chicken stock and return the chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in crème fraîche. If needed, thicken with xanthan gum or cornflour slurry. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Fry the Sage (Optional): Melt butter in a small pan, fry sage leaves until crisp, and use them as a garnish.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove bay leaves and serve hot with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 711kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Protein | 41g |
| Fat | 53g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 601mg |
Next- Level Tips for the Perfect Chicken Casserole
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor: They stay juicy and add richness to the sauce. If you prefer boneless, reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Don’t rush the searing process: A deep golden crust on the chicken adds depth to the final dish. Let the thighs sear undisturbed for at least 3–4 minutes per side.
- Deglaze properly: After cooking the bacon and mushrooms, scrape up all the browned bits from the pan with the wine. That’s where the best flavor is hiding!
- Let the casserole rest before serving: Five minutes off the heat allows the sauce to thicken naturally and the flavors to settle beautifully.
- For a glossy, restaurant-style sauce, stir in a knob of cold butter at the end: It adds silkiness and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Want a deeper umami kick? Add a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce. It won’t overpower but will enhance the savory notes.
- If your sauce feels too rich, balance it out with a squeeze of lemon juice: A little acidity lifts the flavors and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
- Freeze leftovers in portions for quick meals: This casserole reheats beautifully, and the flavors get even better the next day.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
