Mediterranean Chicken Casserole

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If you feel the need for comfort food that is quick and easy to prepare, look no further than this full-of-flavour Mediterranean Chicken Casserole. This one-pot meal is easy enough for a weeknight or ideal for relaxed weekend entertaining. As a bonus, it can be made ahead of time. Be certain, your family and friends will love it.

The cooked casserole, sitting on a brown cloth.

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Why we love this recipe:
Ingredients in this recipe:
Step by step instructions:
Tips for success and FAQs:
More delicious recipes for you to try:
Mediterranean Chicken Casserole

Why we love this recipe:

This delicious Chicken and Vegetable Casserole is an ideal one-pot meal. It needs little more than some crusty bread served alongside to enjoy with the delicious pan juices.

Some of the reasons that we love this dish are:

You can make the Mediterranean Chicken Casserole ahead of time. In fact, make it the day before you plan to serve it and the flavours will develop further.
A meal prepared in one pot means less washing up – always good!
It is easy to increase the amounts to cater for large numbers.
You can easily customise the ingredients in this casserole to suit your taste.
As it cooks away in the oven, you can relax or spend time with your friends and family.

Ingredients in this recipe:

Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

Chicken thighs – we use free-range skinless and boneless thighs – they are ideal for a casserole.

Olive oil – an essential ingredient in the much-acclaimed Mediterranean diet. We use Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Brown/yellow onion – a base flavour ingredient.

Garlic – use fresh cloves.

Tinned tomatoes – for ease, use good-quality crushed tomatoes.

Chicken stock – either homemade or good quality commercial stock.

Dried oregano and basil leaves – true Mediterranean flavours that complement the other ingredients of the dish.

Zucchini/courgette – a member of the squash family.

Red capsicum/bell peppers – Red peppers are sweeter than green and add great colour.

Kalamata olives – for ease, buy them pitted or pit them yourself before adding to the dish.

Dried chilli flakes – add gentle spice.

Parsley – for the best flavour, use flat-leaf continental parsley.

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste.

Feta cheese – delicious crumbled over the finished dish.

Step by step instructions:

Steps 1-4 of preparing this recipe in a photo collage - adding the chicken to a saucepan, browning the chicken, adding the onion and then adding the tomatoes.

Steps 5-6 of preparing this recipe in a photo collage - adding the zucchini and capsicum to the pot and the finished dish garnished with feta and parsley.

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C (355 F).

Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into roughly 3 cm (1 inch cubes). Pat the cubed meat dry with paper towels then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based Dutch Oven or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add half of the chicken to the pan.
Brown the meat for several minutes on all sides to achieve a golden colour. Remove the meat to a plate and set it aside and repeat with the remaining chicken.
Turn the heat down to low, add the onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the garlic and cook a further minute and stir again to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.
Return the cooked chicken, including any juices, to the pan. Add the tomatoes, stock, dried oregano, basil and chilli flakes. Stir well to de-glaze the pan and release the browned pieces into the sauce.
Bring to a simmer, add the zucchini and capsicum, stir well, cover and place in the pre-heated oven. Cook for 30-40 minutes until the chicken and vegetables are cooked.
Remove the Mediterranean Chicken Casserole from the oven. Set aside to cool if you have made the dish in advance. Or, add the olives, chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately.

A serve of casserole in a dish with a spoon, with the big pot of casserole in the background.

Tips for success and FAQs:

Ensure the dish is seasoned to your liking – adjust the salt, pepper, herbs and chilli flakes to your taste.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?

This is an important step. The caramelisation which occurs by browning the chicken pieces adds a rich flavour to the casserole.

What does “deglaze” the pan mean?

It is simply adding liquid to the pan in which you have browned the chicken to release the browned, crusty pieces on the bottom of the pan. These are huge flavour boosters.

Can I make the Mediterranean Chicken Casserole a day ahead of time?

Yes, you can. It is important to store the casserole in the fridge as soon as it cools. Only add the parsley and feta when you are ready to serve.

How should I store the leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and use them within three days. Refrigerate any leftovers as soon as possible. It is not safe to leave the casserole at room temperature for more than two hours. Re-heat well before serving.

Can I freeze the Mediterranean Chicken Casserole?

Yes, you can. Put the casserole in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. It is best to defrost in the fridge overnight and heat thoroughly before serving.

Overhead shot of cooked casserole, sitting on a brown cloth, with some parsley, feta and olives around the edge.

More delicious recipes for you to try:

We love an easy dinner recipe! Here are some more of our favourite dishes:

If you’re a fan of easy, one-pot meals, you will love this Mediterranean Chicken Casserole. The ingredients in this dish evoke feelings of the Mediterranean way of life. Simple products are combined in such a way that makes them special. Enjoy this healthy, tasty casserole year-round.

Serve simply with a salad and crusty bread to soak up the juices or enjoy with a pasta of your choice. You can be content with the knowledge that you have a complete meal in one dish.

Please let me know in the comments below when you try this recipe!

Alex xx