Company Chicken Casserole

Company Chicken Casserole Recipe with Noodles and Vegetables

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 6-10 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Company Chicken Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. This hearty casserole is filled with tender chicken, noodles, vegetables, and a creamy sauce that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

History

The origins of Company Chicken Casserole are a bit murky, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. This dish became popular as a way to feed a large group of people without a lot of hassle. It is often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and other social events.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) noodles, cooked until barely tender
3 cups cooked diced chicken
0.5 cup diced celery
0.5 cup diced green pepper
0.5 cup diced onion
4 oz (113 g) canned mushrooms, drained
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp melted butter
1 cup grated sharp cheese
0.5 tbsp basil
1.5 cups small curd cottage cheese
1 can chicken soup

How to prepare

Pour the mixture into a greased crock pot.
Cook on low heat for 6 to 10 hours.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.
Use different vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or broccoli.
Substitute different types of cheese for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles until they are barely tender, as they will continue to cook in the casserole.

- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe to save time.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this casserole to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Company Chicken Casserole can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires baking in a crock pot on low heat for 6 to 10 hours.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of pasta in place of noodles.

- Any type of cooked chicken can be used in this recipe.

- You can use any type of cheese in place of sharp cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Company Chicken Casserole in a decorative casserole dish for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Company Chicken Casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Company Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Company Chicken Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Company Chicken Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Company Chicken Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, butter, cottage cheese) and wheat (noodles), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Company Chicken Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Company Chicken Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty noodles, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Company Chicken Casserole. It was a hot summer day, and my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins had invited me over for tea. As I sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on a cup of Earl Grey, she pulled out a tattered old recipe card from a wooden recipe box.

"This," she said with a twinkle in her eye, "is my secret recipe for Company Chicken Casserole. It's been passed down through generations in my family, and it's always a hit whenever I serve it to guests."

I leaned in closer, mesmerized by the handwritten instructions on the card. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crunchy breadcrumbs sounded absolutely divine. Mrs. Jenkins must have noticed my fascination because she offered to teach me how to make the dish myself.

Over the next few hours, we worked side by side in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, simmering the sauce, and layering the casserole with care. As the savory aroma filled the room, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. This was more than just a recipe - it was a piece of culinary history, a link to the past that I was now a part of.

When the casserole finally emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, we sat down at Mrs. Jenkins' dining table to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The first bite was pure bliss - the flavors melded together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and elegant.

As I savored each mouthful, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely for sharing her culinary wisdom with me and vowed to pass on the tradition to future generations.

Years passed, and I made the Company Chicken Casserole countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I took great pleasure in sharing the story of how I learned to make the dish, and how it had become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

One day, as I was flipping through my old recipe cards, I came across the original card that Mrs. Jenkins had given me all those years ago. The paper was yellowed with age, and the ink had faded slightly, but the instructions were still as clear as ever.

I decided to pay a visit to Mrs. Jenkins, now a sprightly octogenarian living in a retirement community. I knocked on her door, and when she saw me standing there with the recipe card in hand, her eyes lit up with recognition.

"Oh, my dear," she exclaimed, clasping my hands in hers, "I never thought I would see that old recipe again! How is your Company Chicken Casserole coming along?"

I smiled and told her that it was still a favorite among my family and friends. Mrs. Jenkins beamed with pride, knowing that her culinary legacy was being carried on by someone she had mentored all those years ago.

As we sat down to enjoy a steaming plate of Company Chicken Casserole together, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the bond that had been forged between us over a shared love of cooking. The dish tasted just as delicious as I remembered, evoking memories of that hot summer day when I first learned how to make it.

And as I looked across the table at Mrs. Jenkins, her eyes sparkling with joy and contentment, I knew that the recipe for Company Chicken Casserole would continue to bring people together for generations to come. It was more than just a dish - it was a story, a connection, a legacy that would live on forever in the hearts and stomachs of those who tasted its magic.