Judy's Comforting Chicken Casserole 🍗🥘

This delightful chicken casserole is a classic family favorite that's warm, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. With tender chunks of chicken enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce and a fluffy top, this dish is bound to make your taste buds dance with joy! Pair it with a crisp green salad or some buttery garlic bread for a complete meal. 🥗🍞

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken or turkey, chopped
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
• 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) melted margarine
• 1 cup milk

Optional Add-ins

• 1 small can of carrots, drained
• 1 small can of peas, drained

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In your casserole dish, evenly spread the cooked and chopped chicken. Season it with black pepper, keeping in mind that the soups and broth already contain salt.

2. Mix the Sauces: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken broth. Stir well until all ingredients are smooth. If you're adding peas and carrots, mix those in now.

3. Assemble the Dish: Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken in the casserole dish, ensuring it covers the chicken well.

4. Make the Topping: In another bowl, mix the self-rising flour, baking powder, melted margarine, and milk until it forms a smooth batter. Pour this batter evenly over the top of the casserole - this will create a delicious crust as it bakes!

5. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving. This comforting dish serves 4-6 people and is perfect for leftovers!

🍽️ Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor!

Tips & Tricks

• Meal Prep: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble it in the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when you're ready to eat, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Leftover Magic: Transform leftover casserole into a new meal by serving it over rice or pasta!
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Just make sure to cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap before freezing. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Variations

• Healthier Option: Use skinless chicken breast and low-fat versions of the soups and broth to lighten up the dish.
• Herbed Delight: Add your favorite herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to elevate the flavor profile.
• Cheesy Goodness: Mix in a cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) into the sauce for an indulgent twist.

Dig in and enjoy Judy's delicious chicken casserole—this one's sure to become a staple in your kitchen! 🍽️❤️