Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy days. This recipe combines tender chicken with vegetables and a rich, savory sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection. With minimal preparation, you’ll have a warm, satisfying meal ready for the family by dinnertime. Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Simple and Convenient: Minimal prep time and the slow cooker does the rest.
Tender and Flavorful Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken stays juicy and absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Nutritious and Hearty: Loaded with vegetables and protein, it’s a balanced meal.
Ideal for Meal Prep: Make extra portions to enjoy over several days.
Great for All Seasons: Perfect comfort food for cooler weather but light enough for year-round enjoyment.

Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole

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What is Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole?

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole is a classic, comforting dish made with tender chicken, a variety of vegetables, and a rich sauce, all slow-cooked for hours to develop deep, savory flavors. This meal is perfect for a stress-free dinner that practically cooks itself.

Ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole

4 chicken thighs (skinless, bone-in, or boneless)

2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery sticks, chopped
1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced
400g potatoes, cubed
150g button mushrooms, halved

400g canned chopped tomatoes
500ml chicken stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by preparing all the vegetables. Slice the carrots, chop the celery, dice the onion, cube the potatoes, and halve the mushrooms. Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the prepared vegetables in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes and mushrooms on top of the other vegetables.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary. Pour the canned tomatoes and chicken stock over the ingredients, then add the tomato paste. Gently stir to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Casserole

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through and the vegetables are soft.

Step 5: Serve

Once done, give the casserole a gentle stir to mix the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This casserole pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole

Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Adds extra creaminess to the dish.
Rice: Steamed rice works well to balance the rich flavors.

Steamed Greens: A side of green beans or broccoli adds color and nutrients.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole

Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor, but you can use boneless if you prefer.

Brown the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
Stir Gently: Avoid over-stirring to prevent the vegetables from breaking down too much.

Add Cream (Optional): For a creamier casserole, stir in a splash of cream or crème fraîche at the end.

Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole

Add White Wine: Replace part of the chicken stock with white wine for added depth.
Use Sweet Potatoes: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Add Spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach toward the end for extra color and nutrients.
Use Different Herbs: Fresh thyme, bay leaves, or parsley can be added for different flavor profiles.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole

On the Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
In the Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g

Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 6g

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may be slightly drier than thighs. If using breasts, consider cooking on low for a shorter time to keep them tender.

Can I add extra vegetables to Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or green beans. Add them halfway through cooking to avoid overcooking or add at the beginning if you prefer them softer.

Can I make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole dairy-free?

Yes, the recipe is already dairy-free, but if you add cream or crème fraîche at the end for extra richness, simply substitute with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

How do I thicken the sauce in Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole?

To thicken the sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking, or stir in a slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy days. With its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and rich flavor, this casserole is both satisfying and nourishing. Serve it with your favorite sides for a comforting, complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this classic comfort food!

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