Chicken Alabama Casserole

Chicken Alabama Casserole Recipe - Delicious Comfort Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Chicken Alabama Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This creamy and cheesy casserole is packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles, all baked to perfection.

History

The origins of Chicken Alabama Casserole are unclear, but it is a popular dish in the Southern United States. This casserole is a classic comfort food that has been passed down through generations of families.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) chicken breasts
1 stick of oleo
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 large can of sliced mushrooms
1 package of noodles (4.5 oz or 128 g)
salt to taste
0.5 lb (227 g) velveeta cheese or 8 oz cheez whiz
1 small jar of sliced stuffed olives

How to prepare

Cook the chicken until it is tender.
Save the broth for cooking the noodles.
Allow the chicken to cool, then remove the bones and skin and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
In a separate pan, cook the onion, celery, and pepper in butter.
Add the cheese and stir until it is melted.
Add the mushrooms and chicken to the pan.
Gently blend the mixture with the mushroom soup, adding a little chicken broth if needed.
Boil the noodles in the broth, then drain them.
Add the noodles to the sauce and fold them in gently.
Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish measuring 9 x 15 inches.
Top the casserole with either Ritz cracker crumbs or potato chip crumbs.
Dot the top of the casserole with butter.
Bake the casserole for 45 minutes at 300°F (149°C).

Variations

Substitute the chicken with turkey or ham for a different flavor.
Add in different vegetables such as peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition.
Use different types of cheese for a unique twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken until it is tender to ensure that it is juicy and flavorful in the casserole.

- Save the chicken broth for cooking the noodles to add extra flavor to the dish.

- Gently fold the noodles into the sauce to prevent them from breaking apart.

- Top the casserole with either Ritz cracker crumbs or potato chip crumbs for a crunchy topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Alabama Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the noodles in the chicken broth for added flavor.

- Bake the casserole at a low temperature to ensure that it cooks evenly and does not burn.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.

- Substitute cheddar cheese for the cheez whiz for a sharper taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply top with crumbs and butter and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Alabama Casserole with a glass of white wine or a cold glass of milk for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Alabama Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Alabama Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Alabama Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Alabama Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Alabama Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheez whiz) and wheat (noodles), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken Alabama Casserole is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Alabama Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This creamy and cheesy casserole is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. I was visiting my dear friend Sally in Alabama, and she invited me over for dinner. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the delicious aroma of herbs and spices filled the air. I knew I was in for a treat.

Sally greeted me with a warm hug and a smile, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I can't wait for you to try my Chicken Alabama Casserole," she said, as she pulled out a worn recipe card from a box on the counter. "It's a family recipe that's been passed down for generations."

As she gathered the ingredients and started to cook, I watched in awe as she effortlessly chopped, stirred, and seasoned each component with precision. She explained the origins of the recipe, how her grandmother used to make it for special occasions, and how it was always a hit with friends and family.

I was captivated by the way Sally's hands moved with such skill and grace, her love for cooking evident in every action. I felt a deep sense of admiration for her, and a longing to learn the secrets of this delicious dish.

As the casserole baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering scent, Sally poured us each a glass of sweet tea and we sat down at the table to catch up. She shared stories of her childhood in Alabama, of lazy summer days spent picking fresh vegetables from the garden, and of family gatherings filled with laughter and love.

I listened intently, hanging on her every word, feeling a connection to a place and a time that I had never experienced before. And as we finally sat down to enjoy the Chicken Alabama Casserole, my taste buds were transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never known.

The creamy sauce enveloped tender pieces of chicken, mixed with vegetables and topped with a crispy layer of breadcrumbs. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, a perfect balance of savory and sweet, a true masterpiece of Southern cooking.

As I savored each mouthful, I knew that this recipe was more than just a dish – it was a piece of history, a link to the past, a way to connect with the traditions and memories of those who had come before.

After dinner, as we cleared the table and washed the dishes together, I asked Sally if she would teach me how to make the Chicken Alabama Casserole. She smiled warmly and agreed, saying that she was happy to pass on the recipe to someone who appreciated it as much as I did.

Over the next few days, I shadowed Sally in the kitchen, taking notes and asking questions, as she patiently guided me through each step of the cooking process. I marveled at her expertise and her generosity in sharing her knowledge with me.

And as I finally made the casserole on my own, following the recipe card and using the skills that Sally had taught me, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The dish turned out just as delicious as when Sally had made it, and I knew that I had truly mastered the art of Chicken Alabama Casserole.

From that day on, the recipe became a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the special bond that I shared with Sally and of the rich culinary heritage of Alabama. And every time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer evening in Sally's kitchen, surrounded by love, laughter, and the delicious aroma of Chicken Alabama Casserole.