If you have been searching for a rich, comforting dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, look no further than this Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection with a medley of fresh vegetables, savory bacon, and a creamy, herb-infused sauce that melts in your mouth. This dish brings together simple ingredients in the most satisfying way, making it ideal for family dinners or any time you want to feel wrapped in a warm hug from your food. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing those flavors to develop beautifully without fuss, leaving you with a hearty casserole that tastes like it’s been lovingly simmering all day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is delightful because each element plays a crucial role in taste, texture, and color in this Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole Recipe. These simple staples come together to create layers of flavor that will make every bite memorable.
- 2.2 lb chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they provide the rich protein base and absorb flavors beautifully.
- 2.5 oz flour: Helps thicken the sauce, giving the casserole a luscious, velvety texture.
- 2 onions: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the dish once caramelized.
- 3 celery stalks: Contributes a subtle crunch and fresh aromatic notes.
- 1.1 lb carrots: Brings vibrant color and a gentle earthiness, balancing the savory components.
- 7 oz bacon: Imparts smoky, intense flavor that elevates the entire casserole.
- 1.5 cups chicken stock: Adds moisture and a savory backdrop to meld all the ingredients.
- 2 tbsp mustard: Gives a gentle tang and complexity to the sauce.
- 2 tsp thyme: Offers an earthy, herbal essence that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt to taste: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper to taste: Adds a warming spice and mild heat.
- 4 tbsp crème fraîche: Creates a creamy richness that makes this casserole irresistibly smooth.
- 3 tbsp parsley: Freshens the dish with vibrant color and a delicate herbal touch.
How to Make Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by rinsing the chicken thighs and patting them dry to ensure a nice sear if you choose to brown them first. Chop the onions, celery, and carrots into evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly. Fry the bacon until crisp and then chop it roughly. This preparation step is essential because it sets the stage for even cooking and layers of texture.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, chicken stock, mustard, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This combination will form the flavorful base of your casserole’s sauce. Mixing the flour with the liquid before adding helps avoid lumps and ensures a smooth sauce later on.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the chopped vegetables at the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful bed. Add the chicken thighs on top, then sprinkle over the crispy bacon. Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over everything, making sure to cover the ingredients well. This layering allows each component to infuse with the sauce as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. The slow cooking time lets the chicken shoulder all the flavors and become incredibly tender while the vegetables soften and soak up the savory juices. This no-fuss process is what makes the Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole Recipe so utterly convenient and delicious.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Fresh Herbs
Once the cooking time is up, stir in the crème fraîche and parsley right before serving. This final touch lightens up the sauce with creamy richness and lifts the whole dish with a burst of freshness, making every spoonful a delight.
How to Serve Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle some additional chopped parsley or a few freshly cracked black peppercorns on top. A small drizzle of crème fraîche or even a bit of grated Parmesan cheese can also add an elegant finish that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors. For a heartier meal, serve with warm crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special gathering, serve individual portions in small ceramic baking dishes or ramekins, garnishing each with thyme sprigs and parsley for a restaurant-style touch. You can also offer a build-your-own plate option, letting guests choose from different side salads or grain options like quinoa or brown rice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole Recipe should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy, delicious meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing any of its fantastic flavor and texture.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently either on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during slow cooking. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook so they don’t dry out.
Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
While not strictly necessary, browning the chicken adds an extra depth of flavor and a nice color that can enhance the final dish. It only takes a few minutes and is well worth the effort.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can swap the chicken and bacon for hearty mushrooms and plant-based bacon alternatives, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegetarian adaptation.
Can I make this recipe in an oven instead?
Yes, you can bake this casserole in a covered dish at 325°F (160°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
What can I substitute for crème fraîche?
If you don’t have crème fraîche, sour cream or Greek yogurt are great alternatives that will add similar creaminess and a slight tanginess to your casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole Recipe is truly a gem to have in your cooking repertoire. It’s like a warm hug in food form, made with simple ingredients yet bursting with so much flavor and comfort. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this dish will effortlessly earn its place as a new favorite. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a cozy family meal. Tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a creamy sauce made with mustard and crème fraîche. This casserole combines rich flavors and simple ingredients for an effortless yet satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2.2 lb chicken thighs
- 7 oz bacon
Vegetables
- 2 onions
- 3 celery stalks
- 1.1 lb carrots
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 oz flour
- 2 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Liquids & Others
- 1.5 cups chicken stock
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 4 tbsp crème fraîche
- 3 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and chop the onions, celery, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Cook the bacon: Chop the bacon into small pieces and fry in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside, reserving some bacon fat.
- Sear the chicken thighs: Season chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. In the same skillet with bacon fat, sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown. This seals in the flavors and juices. Remove and set aside.
- Make the roux and sauce base: In the skillet, add the flour to the bacon fat and stir constantly to create a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock to make a thick sauce. Stir in the mustard and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Assemble in the slow cooker: Place the chopped onions, celery, carrots, cooked bacon, and seared chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the ingredients ensuring even coverage.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Finish: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the crème fraîche and chopped parsley to enrich the sauce and add freshness. Adjust seasoning again if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the casserole onto plates and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Best enjoyed warm with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- Using skin-on chicken thighs can add extra flavor and moisture.
- You can substitute crème fraîche with sour cream or heavy cream if preferred.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or peas for more variety.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake covered in an oven-safe dish at 325°F for 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
