Description
This Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and smoky turkey bacon with creamy plant-based cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it offers a rich and creamy texture with simple ingredients and versatile customization options.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 500g chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 100g smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- Chicken broth, 1 cup
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 200g mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs: 2 tbsp parsley or thyme, chopped
Dairy Alternatives & Sauces
- 150g plant-based cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Others
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by slicing the chicken breasts into even bite-sized pieces and clean the mushrooms before slicing them. Dice the onion and mince the garlic to release their aromas once cooked.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil and cook the smoked turkey bacon until it’s crisp and golden. Remove it from the pan and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat for the next step.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms: Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent and fragrant. Toss in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, deepening the flavor of the casserole.
- Cook the Chicken: Push the vegetables to the side and add the chicken pieces into the skillet. Sear them until they are lightly browned but still juicy inside. Mix everything together to combine flavors.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to infuse the casserole with savory depth. Stir in the natural gelling agent and plant-based cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken and become luxuriously creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish, crumble the cooked smoked turkey bacon over the top, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden around the edges.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for better texture and flavor compared to canned options.
- Do not overcook chicken; sear until just browned to keep it juicy after baking.
- Cook the bacon first and use the rendered fat for extra richness in sautéed veggies.
- Follow package instructions precisely for the natural gelling agent for best sauce consistency.
- Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes after baking for easier slicing and fuller flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Chicken casserole, mushroom casserole, plant-based cheese, gluten free casserole, baked chicken dish, creamy casserole