The Coziest Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken Casserole Recipe Ever

Weeknight dinners demand seriously delicious solutions, and this Barefoot Contessa chicken casserole recipe delivers comfort straight to your plate.

Ina Garten’s culinary magic turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Rich, creamy textures blend with tender chicken pieces that practically melt in your mouth.

Each forkful promises layers of savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The recipe combines classic techniques with approachable ingredients anyone can find at their local grocery store.

Herbs and spices dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that make this casserole irresistible.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to serve a meal that celebrates home cooking at its finest.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes into Barefoot Contessa Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the hearty base of the casserole, selecting fresh boneless skinless chicken for tender, easy-to-eat pieces.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, nutty flavor and creates a golden crust, choosing aged varieties for deeper taste complexity.

• Kale: Nutrient-packed leafy green that provides earthy depth and nutritional boost, selecting crisp dark green leaves without yellowing.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor profile and adds subtle sweetness, picking firm bulbs with no soft spots.
• Artichokes: Introduces tangy Mediterranean character and unique texture, selecting jarred hearts for convenience and consistent flavor.

• Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create smooth consistency, using all-purpose flour for reliable results.
• Milk: Creates creamy base for sauce, whole milk recommended for richer texture.
• Chicken Stock: Enhances savory undertones and adds depth, low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Delivers delightful crispy topping, selecting Japanese-style breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Cayenne Pepper: Provides subtle heat and flavor complexity, adjust according to spice preference.
• Olive Oil: Supports cooking process and adds subtle fruity notes, extra virgin recommended for best flavor.

Equipment Essentials for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Casserole

• Large pot: For boiling kale and water.
• Non-stick frying pan: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing sauce.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring chicken from pan.
• Measuring tablespoons: For precise oil and cheese measurements.
• Broiler-proof baking dish (8-inch): Needed for final casserole preparation.
• Non-stick spray: To prevent sticking in baking dish.
• Whisk or wooden spoon: Helpful for stirring sauce and combining ingredients.
• Cutting board: For chopping onions and artichokes.
• Sharp knife: To chop ingredients precisely.

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Casserole – How to Cook It

• Kale Preparation

Boil water in a large pot and briefly cook kale until tender. Drain and dry the greens completely.

• Chicken Searing

Heat olive oil in a pan and season chicken. Cook until golden and mostly done, then set aside.

• Creamy Sauce Base

Lower pan heat and sauté onions until soft. Sprinkle flour and gradually add milk and chicken stock. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.

• Ingredient Fusion

Mix cooked kale, artichokes, cayenne, and chicken into the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and ensure everything is heated thoroughly.

• Broiler Setup

Preheat broiler on high. Transfer mixture to a broiler-proof dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan on top.

• Final Crisp

Place casserole under broiler, positioning about 3 inches from heat. Brown until top develops golden spots, approximately 3 minutes.

Tips to Elevate Barefoot Contessa Chicken Casserole

• Roast garlic cloves and mince them into the sauce for a deeper, more complex taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Replace chicken with tender shrimp, flaky white fish, or plant-based alternatives like tofu cubes for a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Experiment with different herb blends like herbes de Provence, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika to transform the casserole's flavor foundation and match your mood.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the broiling stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply uncover and broil for a quick, stress-free meal that tastes freshly made.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.

Presentation & Pairing for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Casserole

• Elevate Your Chicken Dish: Pair this hearty casserole with simple sides that complement its rich, creamy flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Greens: Create a light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the meal's overall taste.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Grab a warm, crusty baguette or artisan bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to your dinner.

Storing & Reheating Barefoot Contessa Chicken Casserole

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Stays delicious when frozen for 2-3 months, providing a convenient make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the original texture and taste.
• Portion and Pack: Divide casserole into individual servings before storing. This approach allows easy grab-and-go lunches and helps prevent repeated reheating, which can compromise the dish's quality and nutritional value.

Comforting Barefoot Contessa Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa chicken casserole brings comfort and elegance to classic home cooking. Creamy layers of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and rich sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 450 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) pieces
• 2 bunches kale, tough centre stems removed, chopped into 5 cm (2 inches) pieces
• 225 g frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and roughly chopped
• 240 ml (8 fl oz) low-sodium chicken stock
• 180 ml (6 fl oz) 2% milk
• 4 tbsps grated Parmesan
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps plain flour
• 2–3 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish

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Instructions

1. Blanch Kale: Boil water and quickly submerge kale until tender, drain thoroughly, and set aside.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken, cook until golden, developing rich caramelization, then remove and reserve.
3. Develop Base: Reduce skillet heat, sauté onions until translucent. Sprinkle flour and stir, creating a roux to thicken the upcoming sauce.
4. Create Creamy Sauce: Slowly whisk milk and chicken stock into the skillet, raising heat to simmer and achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
5. Combine Ingredients: Incorporate kale, artichokes, and cayenne into the sauce. Return chicken to the skillet, ensuring complete cooking and thorough integration of flavors.
6. Add Cheese Dimension: Stir in Parmesan, allowing its nutty essence to permeate the dish.
7. Prepare for Finishing: Preheat broiler, transfer mixture to a sprayed baking dish, creating an even layer.
8. Final Transformation: Sprinkle panko and remaining Parmesan across the surface. Position under broiler, watching intently to achieve a perfectly golden, crisp topping without burning.

Notes

• Kale Preparation: Quickly blanch kale to retain vibrant color and prevent overcooking, which can make it bitter and lose nutrients.
• Chicken Browning Technique: Achieve golden edges by not overcrowding the skillet, allowing chicken to develop rich caramelization and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Sauce Consistency Tip: Whisk milk and stock continuously to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, creamy base that binds ingredients perfectly.
• Broiling Precision: Monitor breadcrumbs closely during final 3-minute broil to ensure golden-brown color without burning, which can create bitter, acrid taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg