Grace’s Chicken Casserole
Description: This indulgent dish, affectionately named after my beloved mom-in-law Grace, is a nostalgic throwback to hearty Sunday dinners reminiscent of Thanksgiving feasts. Found scrawled in her cherished recipe files, it’s believed to have originated from an Illinois newspaper dating back to the 1950s or early 60s, though the exact origins remain a bit of a culinary mystery. While it’s certainly not a low-fat option, its rich flavors and comforting appeal make it a cherished treat rather than a regular weeknight staple. Leftovers are a delightful bonus, as this casserole is just as delicious when reheated as it is straight from the oven. One key tip: ensure it bakes until the egg mixture sets, ensuring the perfect consistency and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 1 |
| Butter | 4 – 6 tablespoons |
| Flour | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Milk | 6 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 613.8
- Fat Content: 33g
- Saturated Fat Content: 15.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 253.4mg
- Sodium Content: 1717.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 47.8g
- Fiber Content: 1.8g
- Sugar Content: 5.3g
- Protein Content: 29.8g
Cooking Instructions:
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Boil Chicken: Begin by boiling the chicken breasts for approximately 50 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through.
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Prepare Stuffing: While the chicken cooks, prepare the stuffing mix according to the package directions. Spread the prepared stuffing evenly in a 9×13 baking dish.
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Layer Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and place it on a platter to cool. Reserve the broth for later use. Once cooled, remove the skin from the chicken and tear the meat into medium-sized strips. Layer the chicken evenly over the prepared stuffing in the baking dish.
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Prepare Sauce: In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and seasonings, cooking and stirring for approximately 3 minutes until well blended. Gradually add in the reserved chicken broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
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Combine Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Slowly add a small amount of the hot butter-flour mixture to the beaten eggs, stirring constantly to temper the eggs. Once tempered, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining butter-flour mixture, stirring continuously until well combined.
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Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the chicken and stuffing in the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Rest and Serve: Once fully baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to stand for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set slightly. Serve warm, accompanied by a delicious mushroom sauce for an extra touch of flavor.
This timeless recipe, passed down through generations, captures the essence of comforting home cooking and is sure to become a cherished favorite in your family as well. Enjoy the heartwarming flavors and memories with every bite of Grace’s Chicken Casserole.
