Casseroles are quick to prepare and provide for an undeniable feeling of comfort, no matter what time of year you make them. Sometimes dinner, much like a favorite TV show, or old well-loved pair of pajamas is less about reinventing the wheel, and more about leaning into the tried-and-true. So today, let’s get comfy and revisit a dish that needs no introduction: The chicken and carrot casserole.
Our Take on the Chicken and Carrot Casserole
Is there anything better than cozying up on the couch after a long day and enjoying a plate of warm, comforting casserole? Not for us. That’s why casseroles and gratins are frequently on the menu, no matter the season. They’re truly satisfying and sure to warm you up from the inside out.
In our casserole repetoire, we usually find ourselves always coming back to the delightful chicken and carrot casserole. It only requires a few ingredients and the effort involved in preparation is also manageable. Plus, given that this dish is baked, you’re free to use the oven time for this dish as you need and as you so wish!
So let’s get cracking on our chicken and carrot casserole. Start by dicing the chicken and pan-frying it until golden brown. Once it’s done, set it aside. Now, using the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until transclucent and fragrant. Add sliced carrots and cook for about five minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the casserole’s cream by mixing together milk and heavy cream, and then season it with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Just like that, you’re ready to bake the casserole. Fill the base of your baking pan with the chicken and carrots. Pour the cream over it and generously sprinkle grated cheese on top. We’ll leave the cheese-choice up to you, but personally suggest a sharp cheddar, gruyère, or goat cheese.
No matter which cheese is topping your casserole, once it has melted and taken on a golden browning, your casserole is ready to be taken out and enjoyed! If you would like to add a side, pasta and salad can always round out a casserole meal nicely. A nice baguette to dip in the pan is always a welcome companion! We wish you the best of meals and happiest of tables.
At Scrumdiddlyumptious, you’ll find even more recipes for warming comfort casseroles, including our veal schnitzel casserole, egg noodle dumpling & mushroom casserole, and bread casserole with bacon.
Chicken and Carrot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tsp butter for greasing the casserole dish
- 14 oz chicken breast fillets
- salt & pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups grated cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Using buttter, grease the casserole dish.
- Cut the chicken breast fillets into bite-sized pieces, then season them with salt and pepper. In a pan, heat olive oil and fry the chicken until evenly golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Peel the carrots, onions, and garlic. Thinly slice the carrots and dice the onion and garlic. Sauté the onion and garlic in the same pan until translucent and fragrant. Add the carrots and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine the heavy cream and milk. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Add the cooked chicken and carrots to the prepared casserole dish. Pour the cream and milk mixture over the top and top with the grated cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and crispy. Enjoy!