Creamy Chicken Mushroom Cheese CCasserole with Herbs
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Cheese Casserole with Herbs is a comforting, oven-baked dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a rich cheesy sauce in one satisfying meal. It is the kind of recipe that feels cozy and homemade while still being simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The creamy base keeps the chicken moist, while melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling top layer that adds both flavor and texture. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary bring balance and brightness to the richness of the sauce. This casserole works well as a family-style main course served with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness. It also reheats beautifully, making it a smart option for meal prep or leftovers. With straightforward steps and flexible ingredient options, this recipe offers a dependable way to prepare a hearty dish that feels warm, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Vegetables
500g boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups chicken stock
¾ cup cooking cream or heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional Topping
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté onions and mushrooms for 5–6 minutes until soft.
Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in chicken stock, then add cream. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Stir in shredded cheese and parsley until melted and smooth.
Combine chicken, sautéed vegetables, and sauce in the baking dish. Mix gently.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs and parmesan on top if using.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
Cut chicken into even cubes for uniform cooking.
Brown chicken lightly first to build deeper flavor.
Use fresh mushrooms for best texture and moisture balance.
Cook flour briefly to remove raw taste before adding liquid.
Add stock slowly while whisking to prevent lumps.
Choose a cheese that melts smoothly for a creamy texture.
Taste sauce before baking and adjust seasoning if needed.
If casserole browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Let it rest after baking so sauce thickens slightly.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for added freshness.
Variations
Add spinach or kale for extra greens and color.
Replace chicken with turkey or cooked shredded rotisserie chicken.
Include cooked pasta or rice to make it a complete one-dish meal.
Add crispy cooked bacon pieces for a smoky twist.
Use swiss or gouda cheese for a richer flavor profile.
Make it spicy with chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
Swap cream for evaporated milk for a lighter version.
Add diced carrots or bell peppers for more vegetables.
Make it gluten-free using cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Add a splash of white cooking wine to the sauce for extra depth.
Q&A
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate up to one day before baking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
What mushrooms work best?
Button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms all work well.
How do I keep the casserole creamy?
Avoid overbaking and use enough sauce to coat all ingredients.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just reduce baking time slightly since the chicken is already cooked.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Use plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
What sides go well with it?
Steamed vegetables, green salad, garlic bread, or rice.
Can I make it low-carb?
Skip breadcrumbs and add extra vegetables instead.
Why is my sauce thin?
It may need more simmering time before baking to thicken properly.
Can I cook it in individual dishes?
Yes, divide into ramekins and reduce cooking time slightly.
Nutrition (Approx. per Serving)
Calories: 380–420
Protein: 30–35g
Carbohydrates: 10–14g
Fat: 22–25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: Moderate depending on cheese and stock
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Cheese Casserole with Herbs is a comforting and versatile dish that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese creates a balanced meal that feels both hearty and satisfying. Its flexible ingredient options allow you to adapt the recipe to personal tastes or dietary needs, while the simple cooking process makes it accessible for cooks of any skill level. Whether served for a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or prepared in advance for busy days, this casserole offers reliable results and cozy, home-style flavor. Pair it with fresh greens or warm bread to complete a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal that is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.