Absolutely! Let’s dive into the heartwarming goodness of Mom’s Chicken Casserole 🍗, a dish that’s not about fancy flair but all about the comforting, wholesome flavors that bring back memories of home. This recipe, passed down from a church cookbook by my beloved mom, is a simple yet delightful concoction that’s easy to make and even easier to love. 🏡
| Total Time | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| PT1H | PT15M | PT45M |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- Butter for greasing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish, ensuring a delightful non-stick experience for your casserole.
2. Mix the Creamy Goodness:
- In a saucepan, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and sliced mushrooms.
- Heat this creamy mixture over medium heat until thoroughly warmed through. Avoid boiling, as we want to keep those flavors gently mingling.
3. Layer Up the Love:
- Now, let’s create delicious layers in our casserole dish:
- First Layer: Spread a thin coating of the creamy mixture on the bottom of the dish.
- Second Layer: Add a layer of cooked noodles, creating a hearty base for our casserole.
- Third Layer: Sprinkle a generous amount of chopped broccoli over the noodles, adding a burst of freshness and color.
- Fourth Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the broccoli, ensuring each bite is full of cheesy goodness.
- Fifth Layer: Spoon half of the creamy chicken mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover.
- Repeat: Repeat the layers once more, ending with a final layer of the creamy chicken mixture on top.
4. Crunchy Finishing Touch:
- Now, for that delightful crunch, sprinkle the top of the casserole with slivered almonds. These will toast to perfection as the casserole bakes, adding a lovely texture contrast.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- When you peek into the oven and are greeted with the heavenly aroma of bubbling cheese and toasted almonds, you’ll know it’s ready!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.
- Slice into generous portions, making sure each plate gets a perfect balance of creamy chicken, tender noodles, crunchy almonds, and cheesy goodness.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor, if desired.
- Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a comforting meal to share with loved ones, Mom’s Chicken Casserole is sure to be a hit!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 500
- Total Fat: 29.6g
- Saturated Fat: 7.6g
- Cholesterol: 60.9mg
- Sodium: 931.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 4.5g
- Protein: 17.1g
Tips and Tricks:
- Rotisserie Magic: As mentioned, using a store-bought roasted chicken (like a rotisserie chicken) makes this recipe a breeze! Simply shred the meat and you’re ready to go.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables! Peas, carrots, or bell peppers can add even more color and nutrients.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese adds a classic flavor, you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or planned gatherings!
So there you have it, a delightful taste of home with Mom’s Chicken Casserole. A simple yet soul-satisfying dish that’s bound to become a family favorite. 🍲✨ Gather around the table, share stories, and savor every comforting bite. Enjoy! 😊👩🍳
