Description
This Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms recipe is a hearty, creamy, and satisfying dish combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, smoked turkey bacon, and melty plant-based cheese. It’s an easy-to-make casserole perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family meals, offering rich, comforting flavors with a simple preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz fresh button or cremini mushrooms, chopped
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into small pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Flavorings and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup grape juice (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped
Dairy Alternatives and Thickeners
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized chunks, chop the mushrooms, and slice the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.
- Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp and fragrant. Remove and set aside, then in the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent and aromatic. Add mushrooms and cook until they begin to release their moisture.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the diced chicken into the skillet and cook until it’s golden on the edges but not fully cooked through. This helps lock in the juices and adds texture to your casserole.
- Combine the Sauce: Pour in grape juice and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to deglaze the pan, scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom. Stir in the plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the chicken, bacon, and mushroom mixture into a casserole dish. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over everything, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes outside the oven to set perfectly. Garnish with extra fresh herbs before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juicy results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; sauté mushrooms and chicken in batches for better browning.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to thicken the sauce and enhance flavors.
- Try customizing herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different aroma.
- Season lightly with salt initially and adjust after baking to avoid over-salting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, mushrooms, plant-based cheese, comfort food, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, smoked turkey bacon alternative, gluten free