Description
Experience the rich, savory flavors of Mississippi Mud Chicken Casserole, a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a deep, umami gravy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pinch unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 splash strong brewed coffee
- 1 splash non-alcoholic red cooking wine alternative or balsamic vinegar mixed with chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Refrigerated canned biscuit dough
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces, dice onion and celery, mince garlic, peel and cube potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces, and slice carrots. Measure out all spices and liquids. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until lightly browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add another tablespoon of butter or oil to the pot. Reduce heat to medium, add diced onion and celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Build the Roux: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a light roux.
- Deglaze and Whisk in Liquids: Slowly pour in the non-alcoholic red wine alternative, scraping up browned bits. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cocoa powder, coffee, and bay leaf.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes until thickened to a rich consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine with Chicken and Vegetables: Return seared chicken to the pot, stir in cubed potatoes and sliced carrots, ensuring everything is well coated in gravy.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add the Biscuit Topping: Open canned biscuits and arrange them over the top of the chicken and gravy mixture.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until biscuits are golden brown and filling is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Mississippi Mud Chicken Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe