The Creamy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Chicken casserole blends creamy textures with savory flavors for a comforting meal that fits any night of the week.

Rich ingredients melt together in the oven, creating something deeply satisfying with minimal prep.

Simple steps yield a dish that feels special without requiring much effort.

Warm and hearty, it’s a family favorite that pleases even picky eaters.

Whether served at gatherings or on quiet evenings, it never disappoints.

Make it once, and it’s bound to become a repeat request.

Creative Layers to Level Up Your Chicken Casserole

• Seafood Symphony: Replace chicken with a mix of shrimp, scallops, and white fish for an oceanic protein upgrade that brings coastal flavors to the classic casserole.
• Mediterranean Veggie Medley: Swap chicken for roasted eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, adding crumbled feta cheese and fresh oregano to create a plant-based version with robust Mediterranean character.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Incorporate chorizo sausage, black beans, roasted corn, and swap cayenne for chipotle powder to transform the casserole into a zesty southwestern-inspired dish with bold, smoky undertones.
• Rustic Herb Garden Edition: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, add fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage, and mix in wild mushrooms to create a hearty, woodland-inspired casserole bursting with aromatic herb profiles.

Chicken Casserole Goodbyes Never Tasted So Warm

Barefoot Contessa’s chicken casserole emerges as a culinary masterpiece that blends rustic charm with gourmet sophistication.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating layers of complex flavors that celebrate comfort and innovation.

Kale’s earthy notes intertwine with tender chicken, while artichokes add sophisticated nuance to each delectable bite.

Rich Parmesan cheese weaves through the sauce, elevating this dish beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Local farmers’ fresh ingredients shine through Ina Garten’s signature technique, transforming simple components into something extraordinary.

Passionate cooks will find pure joy in crafting this elegant casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction – pinch of cayenne guarantees a subtle kick that keeps palates intrigued.

Scroll down, click share, drop a comment, and spread culinary magic with fellow kitchen adventurers!

Chicken Casserole So Good You’ll Skip Seconds and Go for Thirds

• Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner: This Barefoot Contessa chicken casserole delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving something delicious yet simple to prepare.
• Textural Masterpiece: The combination of tender chicken, soft kale, creamy sauce, and crispy panko breadcrumbs creates an exciting multi-layered eating experience that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Sophisticated Comfort Food Twist: By incorporating gourmet ingredients like artichokes, cayenne pepper, and Parmesan cheese, this casserole elevates traditional comfort food with unexpected and sophisticated flavor profiles that make it feel special yet approachable.
• One-Pan Convenience: The recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single frying pan for cooking chicken and preparing the sauce, then transferring directly to a broiler-proof dish for the final golden-brown finish, making it ideal for weeknight meals or casual entertaining.

Everything You Need for a Comforting Casserole Fix

• Chicken: Tender white meat that forms the main protein of the dish, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Kale: Nutrient-dense leafy green that adds earthy flavor and nutritional boost to the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Provides cooking fat and adds subtle richness to the dish.
• Onion: Aromatic base that builds depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Milk: Creates creamy base for the sauce, whole milk recommended for richer texture.
• Chicken Stock: Adds extra savory depth and moisture to the casserole.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a gentle heat and subtle spiciness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty flavor and helps bind the ingredients.

• Artichokes: Adds tangy, tender vegetable element to the casserole.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy, golden topping with light and airy texture.

Bake a Cozy Casserole That Feels Like a Hug

Step 1: Prepare Leafy Greens

Bring a large pot of water to rolling boil. Toss in kale and cook until tender, roughly 2 minutes. Drain completely and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Sear Protein

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken, flipping occasionally, until golden and mostly done (about 4 minutes). Transfer chicken to a clean bowl using a slotted spoon.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Lower heat to medium. Add another splash of oil if pan looks dry. Sauté onions until soft and translucent (about 4 minutes).

Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Add chicken stock and increase heat. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly (around 2 minutes).

Step 4: Combine Delicious Elements

• Cooked kale
• Chopped artichokes
• Cayenne pepper

Add chicken and its released juices. Stir gently and cook for 4 minutes until fully heated. Stir in Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Prepare For Broiling

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Remaining Parmesan

Step 6: Final Golden Touch

Broil casserole 3 inches from heat source. Watch closely and remove when top turns golden brown with beautiful crispy spots (approximately 3 minutes).

Tricks That Make Your Chicken Casserole Even Better

• Perfectly Tender Chicken: Avoid overcooking by removing the chicken when it's golden outside but slightly undercooked inside, ensuring juicy meat when baked in the final dish.
• Drain Kale Completely: Eliminate excess moisture by thoroughly drying kale after cooking to prevent a watery casserole and maintain the perfect sauce consistency.
• Elevate with Fresh Stock: Boost the flavor profile by using high-quality, low-sodium chicken stock instead of water or bouillon cubes for a more robust taste.
• Customize Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting cayenne pepper to match your personal spice tolerance, making the dish enjoyable for everyone.
• Crisp Up the Topping: Finish the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes to create a golden, crunchy top that adds texture and deepens the overall flavor.

How to Keep That Casserole Creamy Day After Day

• Freezer Strategy: Carefully portion the chicken casserole into individual serving containers before freezing. This brilliant method allows quick single-serving meals without defrosting the entire dish. Wrap tightly with freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor quality.
• Preservation Technique: Maximize freshness by storing the casserole in glass containers with tight-sealing lids. Glass containers prevent flavor transfer and help maintain the dish's original taste profile. Label each container with the date and contents to track storage duration effortlessly.
• Temperature Management: Cool the casserole completely at room temperature before refrigerating, preventing moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth. Place the container on a cooling rack to allow air circulation underneath, speeding up the cooling process. Never leave the casserole at room temperature for more than two hours to ensure food safety and prevent potential spoilage.

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s chicken casserole brings comfort and elegance to dinner tables across America. Creamy, herb-infused chicken nestled with tender vegetables creates a hearty meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 bunches kale, tough centre stems removed, chopped into 5 cm (2 inches) pieces
• 450 grams (1 pound) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) pieces
• 225 grams frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and roughly chopped

Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

• 180 milliliters (6 fluid ounces) 2% milk
• 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons plain flour

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 240 milliliters (8 fluid ounces) low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
• Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge the kale and cook until it becomes tender, approximately 2 minutes. Carefully drain the kale, gently pressing out excess liquid, then thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
2. Select a large non-stick skillet and warm of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the heated pan, allowing it to develop golden edges while cooking. Stir occasionally, ensuring even cooking for roughly 4 minutes. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a separate bowl using a slotted spoon.
3. Reduce the skillet’s temperature to medium. If the pan appears dry, drizzle an additional tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil. Introduce finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4 minutes. Dust the onions with flour, stirring consistently for 1 minute to prevent burning.
4. Gradually pour the milk into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Incorporate chicken stock and elevate the heat to medium-high. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring periodically until it slightly thickens, about 2 minutes.
5. Fold the cooked kale, chopped artichokes, and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the creamy sauce. Return the partially cooked chicken and its accumulated juices to the skillet. Gently stir to combine and continue cooking for 4 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches complete doneness and all ingredients are thoroughly heated.
6. Sprinkle of Parmesan cheese into the mixture, stirring to incorporate the rich, nutty flavor.
7. Activate the broiler to high temperature. Coat an 8-inch (20 centimeters) broiler-safe baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared dish.
8. Generously scatter panko breadcrumbs across the surface, then dust with the remaining of Parmesan cheese.
9. Position the baking dish approximately 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) from the broiler’s heat source. Broil for 3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve golden-brown spots without burning.

Notes

• Prevent chicken dryness by cooking it just until golden, allowing the sauce to finish the cooking process while maintaining tenderness.
• Eliminate excess moisture by thoroughly drying kale after cooking to keep the casserole’s consistency perfect.
• Elevate flavor with fresh, low-sodium chicken stock instead of bland water or processed bouillon cubes.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper to match your personal spice tolerance.
• Create a mouthwatering golden crust by broiling the final dish for a few minutes, adding depth and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 388
• Sugar: 1.5g
• Sodium: 948mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 7.6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.2g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 55mg