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Best Mississippi Mud Chicken Casserole for Dinner

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Experience the rich, savory flavors of Mississippi Mud Chicken Casserole, a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a deep, umami gravy. Perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests, this casserole is a true hug in a dish.

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

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Build the Roux: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a light roux.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Add the Biscuit Topping: Open canned biscuits and arrange them over the top of the chicken and gravy mixture.
  10. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until biscuits are golden brown and filling is bubbly.
  11. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Searing the chicken enhances flavor, and a pinch of cocoa powder and coffee deepens the gravy's color and complexity. Feel free to substitute chicken with beef or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/best-mississippi-mud-chicken-casserole-for-dinner/