Chicken Casserole Recipe
Description:
This Chicken Casserole recipe has been a cherished favorite since the 1970s, originating as a post-Thanksgiving and Christmas leftover turkey casserole that has since evolved into a delightful chicken variation. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish is infused with flavors of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, creating a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- 5-6 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cooking onions, diced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp basil
Instructions:
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
3 hours | 45 minutes | 3 hours 45 minutes |
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Boil Chicken: Begin by boiling the chicken until fully cooked. Once done, drain the chicken, reserving the flavorful broth for later use.
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Prepare Noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
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Combine Chicken and Noodles: In a large casserole dish, combine the chopped chicken and cooked noodles, creating a hearty base for your casserole.
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Mix Sauce: In a separate large bowl, mix together the chicken broth, sliced mushrooms, diced onions, salt, thyme, curry powder, oregano, and basil, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
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Add Sauce to Chicken Mixture: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and noodle mixture in the casserole dish, ensuring that the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients for maximum flavor.
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Bake: Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the casserole to heat through.
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Final Bake: After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the casserole to develop a delicious golden crust on top.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the chicken casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 612.6
- Fat Content: 38.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 10.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 150.9mg
- Sodium Content: 1653mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 26.3g
- Fiber Content: 0.9g
- Sugar Content: 2.8g
- Protein Content: 39.1g
Keywords:
Poultry, Meat, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Tips:
- For a time-saving option, use pre-cooked and chopped frozen chicken along with store-bought chicken broth.
- Customize the casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Serving Suggestions:
This Chicken Casserole pairs perfectly with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Serve it for dinner parties, potlucks, or casual family gatherings, and watch it disappear in no time! 🍗🥦🍲