Chicken Gloria Casserole Bake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken and Mushroom Casserole

01 - 1.15 kg chicken breasts, cut into 2.5 cm strips
02 - 1.5 teaspoons sea salt, plus additional to taste
03 - 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus additional to taste
04 - 240 ml all-purpose flour, for dredging
05 - 90 ml olive oil, divided
06 - 450 g white mushrooms, thickly sliced
07 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
08 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Sauce

09 - 45 g unsalted butter
10 - 24 g all-purpose flour
11 - 360 ml chicken broth
12 - 15 ml lemon juice
13 - 240 ml half and half, or 120 ml milk plus 120 ml heavy cream

# Instructions:

01 - Season chicken breast strips with sea salt and black pepper on all sides. Dredge each piece thoroughly in all-purpose flour, ensuring an even coating.
02 - Heat 45 ml olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sauté each side until golden; chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer browned chicken to a 33x23 cm baking dish.
03 - Wipe any residue from the skillet. Add remaining 45 ml olive oil, followed by sliced mushrooms and diced onion. Cook until softened and golden. Add minced garlic and continue sautéing for 1-2 minutes. Distribute the vegetable mixture evenly over the arranged chicken in the baking dish.
04 - In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in half and half (or milk and cream) and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Pour warm sauce evenly over the chicken and mushrooms. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for 45 minutes. Serve hot accompanied by mashed potatoes, pasta or rice as desired.

# Notes:

01 - Opt for a standard casserole dish rather than a Dutch oven, as the bake achieves a better texture.
02 - This dish retains moisture well and is excellent for reheating; ideal for planning ahead.