Nigella Chicken Casserole
Nigella Lawson's Chicken Casserole is a comforting and savory dish that embodies the essence of home-cooked meals. This recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a hearty and nourishing meal, offering a blend of tender chicken thighs, aromatic herbs, and a mix of vegetables, all simmered to perfection.
Nigella Chicken Casserole: A Brief Overview
The Chicken Casserole by Nigella Lawson is a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying. It's designed for ease of preparation, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The dish is versatile, allowing for variations in vegetables, spices, and herbs to suit personal tastes.
Ingredients for the Chicken Casserole
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Onion: 1, sliced
- Carrots: 2, thickly sliced
- Celery: 2 sticks, sliced
- Chicken thighs: 605 grams
- Plain flour: 1 tablespoon
- New potatoes: 500 grams, quartered
- Fresh rosemary and thyme: 2 sprigs each
- Chicken stock: 600 millilitres
- Cornflour: 2 tablespoons
- Butter beans: 410 grams
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large pan, then add onions, carrots, and celery to soften.
- Coat the chicken in flour and brown it in the pan before adding the potatoes, herbs, and stock.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and then transfer it to the oven to cook for 45 minutes.
- A cornflour paste is then stirred into the casserole along with butter beans, cooking for an additional 10 minutes for a thick and creamy texture.
- The casserole is adaptable for slow cooker preparation, with adjustments to stock quantity and bean type.
Storage and Reheating
The casserole can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to three months. It can be reheated in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave, ensuring it's heated through before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of the Chicken Casserole provides approximately 400 calories, consisting of 30 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of fiber, and 700 milligrams of sodium.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Slow Cooker Adaptation: Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker, requiring adjustments for liquid quantity and cooking time.
- Marinating Chicken: It's not necessary to marinate the chicken for this recipe as the cooking process will infuse the chicken with flavors.
- Using Dried Herbs: Dried herbs can be used in place of fresh, with quantity adjustments to account for their concentrated flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Additional vegetables like broccoli, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be incorporated into the casserole.
For a complete and detailed recipe, the original can be found on Nigella Lawson's websiteand on British Chefs Table. This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a meal that's both comforting and delicious, embodying the essence of Nigella Lawson's approach to cooking.