Creamy Country Chicken Casserole with Cheesy Crumb Topping

Country Chicken Casserole Recipe

Description:

Welcome to a delightful dish that transforms leftover chicken or turkey into a comforting one-dish meal! This Country Chicken Casserole is a heartwarming casserole that combines creamy chicken with a buttery, cheesy topping, creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is convenient. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe is quick to prepare and a sure way to please everyone at the table. 😊🍗🧀

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Mixture:

• 1/4 cup butter (unsalted)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 cups cooked chicken or turkey, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter (cold)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly and turns out perfectly golden and bubbly.

2. Prepare Chicken Mixture:

   • In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
   • Once the butter has melted, stir in 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
   • Gradually add 2 cups of half-and-half to the flour mixture, stirring continuously. Cook this mixture until it thickens and begins to bubble.
   • Gently fold in the diced chicken or turkey and 1 cup of mixed vegetables. Cook until the filling is thoroughly heated. Transfer the filling to an ungreased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

3. Make the Topping:

   • In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cold butter, 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 large egg.
   • Using a fork or pastry cutter, mix these ingredients together until the mixture becomes crumbly.

4. Assemble and Bake:

   • Crumble the prepared topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips:

• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top before baking.
• If you prefer a more decadent topping, you can substitute some of the Parmesan cheese with cheddar cheese for a richer taste.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 781.5
• Fat: 49.4g
• Saturated Fat: 28.6g
• Cholesterol: 226.8mg
• Sodium: 773.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 52.8g
• Fiber: 5.7g
• Sugar: 0.5g
• Protein: 33.4g

Enjoy the comforting warmth and delightful flavors of this Country Chicken Casserole, and make your mealtime a bit more special with this easy and delicious recipe. Bon appétit! 🍽️🌟