There’s something undeniably comforting about a well-crafted chicken casserole—especially one inspired by Mary Berry’s signature style. With its rich, savory depth and perfectly tender chicken, this dish brings together simple ingredients with classic European techniques.
Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or planning a hearty family meal, this recipe delivers a warm, slow-cooked embrace in every bite. Pair it with a refreshing Cucumber Salad or a bright, herbaceous Greek Zucchini Salad, and you’ve got a beautifully balanced meal.
The crisp textures and zesty flavors of these sides cut through the casserole’s creamy richness, making every forkful satisfying. It’s a perfect harmony of indulgence and freshness, inspired by the Mediterranean love for pairing rich mains with vibrant, refreshing sides.
This dish is a lesson in layering flavors and mastering the art of slow cooking. A splash of white wine, a touch of Dijon, and a well-balanced stock create a luxurious, velvety sauce that elevates the humble casserole. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting comfortable in the kitchen, this recipe is an invitation to slow down, savor, and explore the depth of classic European home cooking.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- It’s a Classic with a Twist – Inspired by Mary Berry’s approach, this casserole blends French-style slow cooking with a homey, rustic touch. The result? A dish that feels both elegant and familiar.
- Pairs Beautifully with Fresh Sides – While indulgent on its own, pairing it with crisp Cucumber Salad or Greek Zucchini Salad keeps the meal light and balanced—like a well-planned restaurant menu.
- Effortless Yet Impressive – With simple steps and a bit of patience, you get a dish that tastes like it took hours of hands-on work (but really didn’t). Perfect for both weeknights and special gatherings.
- A Lesson in Layering Flavors – From a quick pan-sear to a slow, flavor-infusing simmer, this recipe teaches you how to build depth in a dish without overwhelming effort.
- Rich, Creamy, and Unforgettable – The sauce is velvety, the chicken is fall-apart tender, and every bite leaves you wanting more. It’s the kind of comfort food that lingers in memory long after the meal is done.
Mary Berry Chicken Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Ovenproof casserole dish
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Chicken Casserole
- salt and pepper to season
- 8 strips smoked streaky bacon diced
- 200 g mushrooms sliced
- 1 g large onion finely diced
- 8 chicken thighs
- 250 g full fat creme fraiche or sour cream
- 120 ml dry white wine
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- 120 ml hot chicken stock from a stock cube
- 1 tsp sunflower oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp xanthan gum or 2 tsp cornflour diluted in a little cold water
- 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
- 4 fresh sage leaves or small sage sprigs
Fried Sage
- large fresh sage leaves
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over high heat, then brown the chicken on both sides before setting it aside and draining any excess oil.
- In the same pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until the fat begins to render.
- Add the onions and garlic, stirring for about five minutes until the onions soften and the bacon turns crispy at the edges.
- Stir in the mushrooms, additional salt, pepper, and dried herbs, cooking until the mushrooms are browned.
- Pour in the white wine and chicken stock, then add the sage and bay leaves.
- Return the chicken to the pan, bring everything to a gentle simmer, and transfer to a preheated 160°C (325°F) oven.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes, then uncover and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Alternatively, simmer on the stove over low heat for about 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Stir in the crème fraîche and, if needed, thicken the sauce with xanthan gum or a little diluted cornflour, allowing it to simmer briefly.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and fry the sage leaves until crispy, then drain them on a paper towel.
- Discard the bay leaves, adjust the seasoning, and serve topped with crispy sage leaves alongside mashed potatoes or a low-carb alternative.
Notes
- Browning the chicken well adds depth of flavor to the dish, so don’t rush this step.
- Use dry white wine for a richer taste, or substitute with extra chicken stock for an alcohol-free version.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 711kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Fat | 53g |
| Protein | 41g |
| Cholesterol | 232g |
