Freezer Food Challenge – Part 1: Slow Cooker Chicken & Pumpkin Casserole

The first recipe in my Freezer Food Challenge had to be something comforting. The weather has been absolutely awful lately – grey skies, relentless rain, and that damp chill that creeps into everything. The perfect excuse (not that I ever need one!) to get the slow cooker out.

This one is a trusted favourite in our house — usually just a simple chicken casserole. This time though, I decided to add the pumpkin (well, a whole bag of it anyway). Hearty, simple, and perfect for using up freezer and fridge bits.

Using What We Have

The aim of this challenge is to make the most of what’s already in the freezer, and this dish ticked all the boxes:

• Chicken breasts (chopped into chunks)

• A bag of chopped homegrown pumpkin

• Homemade chicken stock from the freezer

• A couple of carrots from the fridge

• Two potatoes, chopped with skins left on

• A chopped leek

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To bring it all together, I added:

• Gluten-free chicken gravy granules

• A squeeze of tomato purée

• A sprinkle of rosemary

• Garlic

• A pinch of salt and pepper

• Boiling water to top it up

Everything went into the slow cooker, lid on, and left to gently bubble away for the afternoon.

Simple, Filling & Family-Friendly

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a “chuck it all in” meal that turns into something so comforting. The pumpkin softens beautifully and thickens the sauce naturally, while the potatoes make it hearty enough to stand alone in a bowl.

The best part? It fed all five of us for the first meal.

And even better for me — I’ve finally found gluten-free chicken gravy granules that work well and don’t seem to be packed full of nasties. It’s always a small victory when you can adapt a family favourite so everyone can enjoy it safely.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Uses up freezer staples

• Flexible with whatever veg needs using

• Naturally thick and comforting

• Easy gluten-free adaptation

• Perfect for miserable weather

This one will definitely be staying on the regular meal plan rotation — simple, filling and exactly what we needed on such a miserable day. And that’s exactly what this Freezer Food Challenge is all about — making the most of what we already have and turning it into proper, filling family meals. There’s still plenty lurking in the freezer waiting to be used, so

I’m looking forward to seeing what other combinations and surprises come out of it over the next few days and week. Stay tuned — there’s lots more comfort food (and creative freezer rummaging) to come.