Looking for a comforting chicken dinner with a creamy finish and rich white wine flavour? This Mary Berry Creamy Chicken Casserole with White Wine brings together tender chicken thighs, smoky bacon, onions, garlic, mushrooms, herbs, and crème fraîche for a warming main course. The white wine and chicken stock create a smooth, flavoursome sauce, while the oven cooking helps develop the tender texture of the chicken.
Before you begin, you’ll find the useful equipment and complete ingredient list, followed by the step-by-step cooking method and practical tips. The article also covers serving ideas, storage and reheating guidance, answers to common questions, and the available nutrition information so you can plan the recipe from preparation through serving and leftovers.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, explore our Mary Berry chicken recipes guide for more chicken dishes from across the collection.
Equipment
Equipments for Mary Berry Creamy Chicken Casserole with White Wine Recipe:
To prepare this recipe successfully, you will need a few essential kitchen tools. The right equipment helps with even cooking, creating the creamy sauce, and keeping the process simple. A large non-stick ovenproof frying pan or flameproof casserole is especially useful for cooking and transferring the dish easily.
- Large non-stick ovenproof frying pan – useful for browning chicken and preparing the casserole in one pan.
- Flameproof casserole – helps cook the dish evenly on the hob and in the oven.
- Casserole dish – ideal for slow cooking and keeping the chicken tender.
- Lid – covers the dish to retain moisture and flavour during cooking.
- Frying pan – useful for cooking ingredients that need separate preparation.
- Small pan – helps prepare smaller portions of sauce or ingredients.
- Plate – useful for holding cooked chicken or prepared ingredients.
- Slotted spoon – helps remove ingredients while leaving sauces behind.
- Bowl – useful for mixing or holding ingredients before cooking.
- Whisk – helps create a smooth sauce without lumps.
- Oven – required for cooking the casserole evenly.
- Foil – useful for covering the dish when needed during cooking.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Ingredients Require for Mary Berry Creamy Chicken Casserole with White Wine Recipe:
This Mary Berry Creamy Chicken Casserole with White Wine Recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich and comforting dish. The combination of skinless chicken thighs, smoky bacon, vegetables, herbs, and a creamy sauce gives the casserole its classic flavour. Fresh herbs, white wine, and a smooth sauce help create a satisfying meal that is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Skinless chicken thighs | 8 |
| Dry cured bacon | 8 rashers |
| Large onions | 2 |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Sunflower oil | 2 tbsp |
| Plain flour | 2 tbsp |
| Hot chicken stock | 300ml |
| Chicken stock cube | 1 |
| Dry white wine | 150ml |
| Button mushrooms | 250g |
| Thyme sprigs | 4 |
| Sage leaves | 6 |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Full-fat crème fraîche | 200ml |
| Butter | 25g |
| Flatleaf parsley | 2 tbsp, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
How to Make Mary Berry Creamy Chicken Casserole with White Wine
- Preheat the oven to 160°C/140°C fan/Gas 3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat oil in a large pan and brown the chicken on high heat until golden all over.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Add the bacon to the pan and cook until crispy. Stir in the onions and cook until softened, then add the crushed garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add the plain flour and stir to make a smooth paste. Gradually pour in the hot chicken stock and white wine little by little, whisking well to keep the sauce smooth.
- Return the chicken to the pan with any juices from the plate. Add the thyme sprigs, sage leaves, and bay leaves, then cover with foil and a lid before placing it in the oven.
- Cook the casserole in the oven for 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Meanwhile, fry the mushrooms in butter until golden.
- Stir the mushrooms into the casserole with the crème fraîche. Remove the bay leaves and check the seasoning before serving hot with fresh parsley.
Expert Tips for Mary Berry Creamy Chicken Casserole with White Wine Recipe
These helpful tips come from experience with making creamy chicken casseroles and will help you achieve the best flavour and texture. Small details, such as preparing the sauce carefully and controlling cooking time, can make a big difference in the final result.
- Follow Mary’s tips by rinsing the tin or pan used for the wine mixture and using every drop to keep the flavour rich.
- Use chicken thighs for the best texture, but if using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to around 25 minutes.
- For a smoother sauce, add the flour carefully and whisk well to prevent lumps when creating the casserole sauce.
- You can make ahead by preparing the casserole up to 2 days ahead and reheating it gently before serving.
- The casserole freezes well, but freeze it without mushrooms and add fresh mushrooms when reheating.
- Add the crème fraîche when reheating instead of freezing it with the dish to maintain a creamy texture.
- Check the chicken reaches a safe temperature of 165°F / 75°C using a meat thermometer before serving.
- If you prefer not to use wine, substitute the white wine with chicken stock or broth for a milder flavour.
- For a lighter serving option, pair the casserole with cauliflower mash or celeriac mash as a low carb or Keto option.
- Finish the dish with crispy fried sage leaves for extra flavour and an attractive presentation.
Serving Suggestions
How to serve Mary Berry Creamy Chicken Casserole with White Wine:
Mary Berry Creamy Chicken Casserole with White Wine Recipe is best enjoyed serve hot with comforting sides that soak up the creamy sauce. This main course works beautifully for a relaxed family dinner, a midweek supper, or a special occasion. Add fresh garnishes and simple sides to complete the meal.
- Serve with mashed potatoes to absorb the creamy white wine sauce.
- Pair with green vegetables such as kale or steamed vegetables for freshness.
- Add crusty bread on the side for dipping into the sauce.
- Serve with rice for a simple and filling alternative.
- Garnish with crispy sage leaves and fresh herbs for extra flavour.
- Enjoy on lazy Sundays as a comforting homemade meal.
- Finish with a light dessert such as fruit crumble or vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a glass of white wine or a refreshing soft drink.
Storage
How to store Mary Berry Creamy Chicken Casserole with White Wine:
Room Temperature
- Do not leave the hot chicken casserole at room temperature for long periods.
- Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers into suitable containers once cooled.
Refrigerator
- Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Keep leftovers for up to 3 days.
- You can prepare ahead and keep the dish refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Reheat on stovetop over low heat or use a microwave until heated through.
- Warm slowly to help maintain the creamy sauce texture.
Freezer
- The casserole can freeze well when stored correctly.
- Place portions into suitable containers, then label before freezing.
- Store for up to 3 months.
- Defrost in refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently until the casserole is hot and ready to serve.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. Reduce the cooking time because chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked.
Q: Can I freeze chicken casserole?
Yes, this recipe can be frozen. For the best texture, freeze the casserole without mushrooms and add fresh mushrooms when reheating.
Q: How do I reheat chicken casserole?
You can reheat chicken casserole on the stovetop over a low heat or in the microwave. Warm it slowly and make sure it is heated through before serving.
Q: Can I make chicken casserole ahead?
Yes, you can make chicken casserole ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving to keep the sauce smooth.
Q: Can I substitute white wine?
Yes, you can replace white wine with chicken stock or broth. This will create a milder flavour while still keeping the casserole rich.
Q: How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, you can use a small amount of cornstarch or flour mixed with liquid. Xanthan gum can also be used in small amounts to help thicken the sauce.
Q: Can I use cream instead of crème fraîche?
Yes, you can use cream as an alternative to crème fraîche. Add it carefully during reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
Q: What temperature should chicken be cooked to?
Chicken should reach a safe temperature of 165°F / 75°C. A meat thermometer is the easiest way to check that it is fully cooked.
Nutrition
The following nutrition information is an estimate based on one serving of Mary Berry Creamy Chicken Casserole with White Wine Recipe. Values can vary depending on the exact ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used. The original recipe provides approximately 711 kcal per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 711 kcal |
| Protein | 41 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Fat | 53 g |
| Saturated Fat | 19 g |
| Fibre | 2 g |
| Sodium/Salt | 601 mg sodium |
Additional nutrition information includes:
- Polyunsaturated fat: 8 g
- Monounsaturated fat: 18 g
- Trans fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 232 mg
- Potassium: 727 mg
- Vitamin A: 279 IU
- Vitamin C: 3 mg
- Calcium: 38 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
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