ππ₯ Amish Chicken Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Dish ππ₯
Amish Chicken Casserole is a delightful and hearty comfort dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, egg noodles, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. This dish is a classic in Amish cuisine, known for its simplicity, nourishment, and ability to feed a crowd.
π History:
The origins of Amish Chicken Casserole can be traced back to the Amish communities in the United States. The Amish are known for their traditional, farm-to-table approach to cooking, which emphasizes simple, wholesome ingredients. This casserole likely emerged as a way to make the most of readily available ingredients, including fresh chicken and vegetables from the farm.
π½οΈ Components:
To prepare Amish Chicken Casserole, you’ll need the following components:
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups of cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 cup of carrots, diced
- 1 cup of celery, diced
- 1/2 cup of onion, diced
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
π©βπ³ Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
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Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside.
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Prepare the Vegetables: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. SautΓ© until they become tender, usually around 5-7 minutes.
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Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautΓ©ed vegetables and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
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Add Liquid Ingredients: Gradually add the chicken broth and milk to the roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens, which should take around 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked noodles, frozen peas, and the creamy sauce you just prepared. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Baking Time: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. If desired, top it with shredded cheddar cheese and bread crumbs for added flavor and texture.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the casserole is bubbling.
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Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then serve this delicious Amish Chicken Casserole to your eager diners.
β±οΈ Time Needed:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
This delightful casserole is a perfect option for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. Its rich, creamy texture and comforting flavors are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table! ππ½οΈ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amish Chicken Casserole:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving
- Protein: Around 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Total Fat: About 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
- Cholesterol: 60-80 milligrams
- Sodium: 600-800 milligrams
- Potassium: 300-400 milligrams
- Vitamin A: 30-40% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 10-15% DV
- Calcium: 15-20% DV
- Iron: 10-15% DV
Health Information:
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Protein Source: Amish Chicken Casserole is a good source of lean protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
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Moderate Calories: The calorie content can vary depending on portion size and optional toppings like cheese and breadcrumbs. It’s generally a moderate-calorie dish suitable for a balanced diet.
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Carbohydrates: The dish provides carbohydrates from the egg noodles and vegetables, offering a source of energy.
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Fiber: While the fiber content is moderate, you can increase it by adding more vegetables or using whole wheat noodles.
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Fat Content: The casserole contains moderate amounts of fats, including saturated fats from butter and cheese. You can reduce the saturated fat by using low-fat dairy options or less cheese.
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Sodium: The sodium content can be a concern, especially if you use store-bought chicken broth. Opt for low-sodium broth if you are watching your sodium intake.
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Vitamins and Minerals: The dish provides essential vitamins like vitamin A and C, which are important for vision and immune function, respectively. It also contains calcium for strong bones and iron for oxygen transport in the body.
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Customization: You can make this dish healthier by incorporating more vegetables, using whole wheat noodles, and reducing the use of high-fat ingredients like butter and cheese.
As with any recipe, moderation and ingredient choices can help make Amish Chicken Casserole a part of a balanced diet. Adjusting the recipe to meet your dietary preferences and nutritional needs is always an option.