The thing about classic comfort foods is they became that way for a very good reason. They are the little black dress of the culinary world - except made of sweat pants material. They are fabulous and perfect, everyone looks good in them and they are Sooooo Comfortable! This is actually turning into a terrible analogy that isn't working well at all, Thank Goodness this classic Chicken Casserole from the Food $ense Creates series is delicious enough to make up for all my terrible chatter.
Potluck Chicken Casserole
• ½ cup chopped fresh mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1¼ cups milk
• 4 cups cooked and cubed chicken ( I used some leftover chicken and a can of cooked chicken)
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed ( I used a bag of mixed veggies instead of the celery and peas - mostly because I didn't have any celery or just plain frozen peas)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¾ cup crushed corn flakes or breadcrumbs
Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in canola oil until tender. Stir in flour, then gradually add milk and bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until mixture is thickened and bubbling.
Remove from heat and add chicken, rice, celery, peas, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Mix well and spoon into 9x13 baking dish.
Sprinkle corn flakes or breadcrumbs over casserole. Bake uncovered at 350º F for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Yield: 8-10 servings
Prepare to be amazed at the praise lavished on you from your family and friends. This one is a winner folks!
