Chicken, Bacon & Leek Casserole

Tuesday 3 December 2013


 photo SAM_2204_zps5a87f8c5.jpg


 I love food this time of year . . . I know I say that all year round, but this is the time of year that we really start to get stuck into comfort foods . . . winter warmers . . . rich soups, stews, casseroles and bakes.

 photo SAM_2206_zpsa0de13b8.jpg

Food that, with the exception of a few small prep details, pretty much cooks itself.  Simple and wholesome ingredients, but let me tell you . . . more often than not there it nothing simple at all about the flavours!  Most pack a very delicious punch!

 photo SAM_2208_zps2c9d63d8.jpg

I've always been the kind of person that has been able to put things together and come up with something satisfyingly delicious . . . things like this Chicken, Bacon and Leek Casserole I am showing you here today.

 photo SAM_2209_zpsf8b84b90.jpg

It's simple.   It uses stuff you most likely have in your fridge, larder and freezer right now.  It tastes fabulously delicious, and it basically cooks itself.  I like to serve it with some fluffy mash. 

 photo SAM_2210_zpsc91a1706.jpg


The Toddster is a real mash lover.  I like to cook some greens on the side as well, just for some colour and vitamins.  Today it was sprout tops.  I do hope you will give it a try., and when you do that you'll come back and tell me how much you loved it!  It may not look very exciting, but dull this isn't!

 photo SAM_2205_zpsbde876b5.jpg


*Chicken, Bacon & Leek Casserole*
Serves 4  
This may look a bit like a mess, but it's delicious!  It's one of those warming meals that pretty much cooks themselves!  I like to serve it with some mash or rice.

2 TBS olive oil
8 boneless, skinless chicken thigh portions, cut into cubes
(Discard any fat)
2 medium leeks, trimmed, washed and thinly sliced
4 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, chopped
1 tsp summer savoury
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
2 stalks of celery
1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
1 medium parsnip, peeled and sliced
pinch of garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
125ml of dry white wine
450ml of chicken stock
1 dessertspoon (heaped) of flour, shaken with a bit of water in a jar until smooth 
Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4.

Heat the oil over medium heat in a medium sized flame and oven proof casserole dish.   Add the bacon and chicken and cook, stirring occasionally until golden.  Stir in the leeks, carrots, celery and parsnips.  Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the summer savoury and thyme, along with some salt and pepper to taste.    Grind over a bit of garlic powder. 

Add the wine and chicken stock.  Bring to the boil.   Reduce to a simmer and stir in the flour/water mixture.  Cook stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.  Cover tightly and then transfer the casserole to the oven.   Bake, covered, for about 45 minutes.  Uncover and bake for 15 minutes longer, until the chicken and vegetables are very tender.

Serve hot with some mashed potatoes and crusty rolls.

6 comments

  1. Looks tasty! I'll give it a try today.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think you will enjoy it Dan! It is real comfort food!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Marie, when should I add the leeks? Together with carrots, celery and parsnips?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes Dan, sorry I must have left that out! Thanks for noticing. Fixing it now!

    ReplyDelete
  5. That looks hearty and filling.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Here is my version http://www.dancionescu.com/chicken-bacon-leek-casserole/

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by. I love to hear from you so do not be shy!


BEFORE LEAVING A COMMENT OR RATING, ASK YOURSELF:
Did you make the recipe as directed? Recipe results are not guaranteed when changes have been made.

Is this comment helpful to other readers? Rude or hateful comments will not be approved. Remember that this website is run by a real person.

Are you here to complain about ads? Please keep in mind that I develop these recipes and provide them to you for free. Advertising helps to defray my cost of doing so, and allows me to continue to post regular fresh content.

Thanks so much for your understanding! I appreciate you!