Smoked Paprika Chicken Casserole

 

Dish Title:

Smoked Paprika Chicken Casserole with Roasted Garlic, Leeks & Gruyère Herb Crust (No Wine)

Chef's Intent (With a Twist, No Alcohol):

This version preserves the soul of the dish—warmth, richness, and contrast—without using wine. The twist lies in replacing wine with a white grape juice + vinegar combo (or lemon juice) to create brightness and lift, simulating deglazing acidity. You still get deep umami from seared chicken, roasted garlic, and caramelized leeks, with a creamy finish and crisp, cheesy topping.

Serves: 4–6

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Ingredients:

 For the Chicken & Marinade

• 800g boneless chicken thighs (skin-on preferred for flavor)

• 1½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder (optional)

• ¾ tsp salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil

 Aromatic Base & Cream Sauce

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 2 leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 6 garlic cloves, unpeeled

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)

• Alternative to wine:

  • 70 ml white grape juice

  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• 250 ml low-sodium chicken stock

• 150 ml heavy cream

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for optional thickening)

 Vegetable Add-ins

• 200g baby potatoes, halved & parboiled (10 min, firm but fork-tender)

• 100g green peas (frozen or fresh)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

 Gruyère Crust Topping

• 80g panko breadcrumbs

• 60g Gruyère cheese, freshly grated

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp chopped thyme or chives

• Pinch of black pepper

Step-by-Step Method:

1.Roast Garlic (Ahead or While You Prep Veg):

• Wrap 6 unpeeled garlic cloves in foil with a drizzle of olive oil.

• Roast at 180°C (350°F) for ~30 minutes until soft.

• Cool slightly, squeeze garlic into a bowl, mash with fork.

 Why? Roasting creates a nutty, mellow base flavor that builds depth without overpowering.

2.Marinate Chicken:

• Mix chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

• Let sit for 30–60 minutes (refrigerated if longer).

3.Sear Chicken:

• In a large pan, sear chicken skin-side down first over medium-high heat.

• Cook ~5 minutes per side until deeply golden. Set aside.

 Don’t crowd the pan—searing properly develops the savory fond (browned bits) at the base.

 

4.Build Aromatic Base:

• In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter + oil.

• Add onion, carrot, celery, and sauté 3–4 minutes.

• Add leeks and continue cooking until soft and sweet (another 5–6 minutes).

• Stir in mashed roasted garlic, thyme, and Dijon.

5.Deglaze with Wine Substitute:

• Add white grape juice + 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice.

• Scrape up browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

• Pour in chicken stock and bring to a gentle boil.

6.Creamy Sauce Finish:

• Stir in heavy cream and reduce heat to simmer.

• Optional: whisk in flour to slightly thicken if needed.

• Simmer 5–6 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

• Taste and adjust salt, pepper.

7.Assemble the Casserole:

• In a greased deep baking dish:

• Add parboiled potatoes and peas.

• Nestle the chicken pieces in (skin side up).

• Pour the sauce and vegetables evenly over everything.

• Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

8.Prepare & Add the Crust:

• Mix panko, Gruyère, olive oil, herbs, and black pepper in a bowl.

• Spread this mixture evenly over the top.

9.Bake:

• Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

• Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until:

• Crust is golden and crispy

• Chicken is cooked through (internal temp 75°C/165°F)

• Sauce is bubbling

Final Touches (Optional but Chef’s Signature):

• Sprinkle lemon zest or a light drizzle of olive oil infused with herbs before serving.

• Garnish with a few fresh thyme sprigs or microgreens.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot with:

  • A crisp fennel-apple slaw

  • Or a cucumber-mint yogurt salad for contrast

  • Crusty bread (optional, but fantastic with the creamy sauce)