Rustic Chicken and Vegetable Casserole: A Creamy Comfort Food Delight

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Discover the ultimate one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-warming meal. This Chicken and Vegetables in a Creamy Sauce is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary journey that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a luxuriously smooth sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 3 whole chicken thighs (or mixed pieces)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 knob butter

For the Vegetables:

  • 4-5 carrots (various colors), peeled and cut into sticks
  • 500g (1.1 lbs) yellow potatoes, peeled and cut
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 celery stalk (optional), finely sliced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 bay leaf

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 250 ml (1 cup) chicken stock
  • 200 ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Wash and cut carrots into sticks or thick slices.
  2. Peel and cut potatoes into medium-sized pieces.
  3. Slice onion and celery, mince garlic.

Brown the Chicken

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat oil and butter in an ovenproof casserole dish.
  4. Brown chicken skin-side down for 6-8 minutes until golden.
  5. Flip and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Remove chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same dish, sauté onion, garlic, and celery for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add carrots and potatoes, sauté for 5 minutes.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.

Create the Creamy Sauce

  1. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and mix.
  2. Pour in chicken stock, stirring to prevent lumps.
  3. Add cream and mustard, adjust seasoning.
  4. Return chicken pieces to the dish, skin-side up.

Oven Cooking

  1. Cover and bake for 40 minutes.
  2. Uncover and cook for 15-20 more minutes.

Serving and Finishing Touches

  • Serve in soup plates or directly from the casserole.
  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  • Accompany with crusty country bread.

Nutrition and Serving

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 60 minutes

Nutritional Highlights:

  • High in protein
  • Rich in vegetables
  • Good source of vitamins and minerals

Why This Dish is a Nutritional Powerhouse

This one-pot wonder is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a nutritional marvel. The combination of lean chicken thighs and colorful vegetables provides a balanced mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. Carrots bring beta-carotene, potatoes offer filling complex carbs, and the lean protein from chicken supports muscle health.

Pro Tips

  • Add mushrooms for extra flavor
  • A splash of white wine can elevate the sauce
  • Use fresh thyme for maximum aromatic impact

Enjoy this comforting, nutritious dish that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and satisfying!