Description
This Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms is a creamy, savory, and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast, flavorful mushrooms, and smoky turkey bacon, all combined with plant-based cheese and a natural gelling agent for a rich, smooth texture. Ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 500g boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 100g smoked turkey bacon, cut into small strips
Vegetables
- 200g cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), for garnish
Liquids and Sauces
- 250ml chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Dairy Alternatives and Natural Gelling
- 100g plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 to 2 teaspoons natural gelling agent (e.g., pectin, agar, carrageenan)
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Clean and slice the mushrooms evenly. Chop the onion and mince the garlic finely. Cut the smoked turkey bacon into small strips ready for sautéing.
- Sauté Aromatics and Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until lightly crispy. Remove and set aside. Then add the onions and garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook the Chicken and Mushrooms: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they begin to brown. Toss in the mushrooms and sauté until they release their juices and soften, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Mix in Liquids and Cheese: Pour in the chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and sprinkle the plant-based cheese evenly. Gradually add the natural gelling agent while stirring continuously to thicken the mixture smoothly.
- Combine and Bake: Transfer the sautéed ingredients into a casserole dish. Sprinkle the cooked turkey bacon on top and cover. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden at the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, scatter fresh herbs over the casserole to add color and fragrance. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow proper browning of mushrooms and chicken instead of steaming.
- Choose a plant-based cheese that melts well for a creamy texture.
- Mix the natural gelling agent thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a silky mouthfeel.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to enhance setting and flavor fusion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, mushroom casserole, plant-based cheese, creamy casserole, turkey bacon casserole, comfort food, gluten free casserole