Sharon’s Amazing Chicken Casserole

            Growing up, we ate a lot of chicken. Not just because it was healthy, but because it was economical too. Chicken is also very versatile. You can do so much with it, you can enjoy it hot or cold, it can be in casseroles or salads. You can use it for the main course of dinner or make it into a chicken salad for lunch. Chicken is an all around hero in my home.

            This casserole can become very addicting. Your family may be requesting it often, so stock up on chicken breasts. When I make this recipe, I add in some fresh frozen peas, sometimes with carrots. Other times I use broccoli in this casserole. Anyway you do it, it will be a tasty treat for a weeknight meal.

            This is truly a casserole that you can take a chance with. You can be adventurous and add different vegetables, or flavors. This dish could be served with a simple dinner salad and a flavorful dessert.

There is one variation that you really need to try. Dice up an apple, and throw some of that into the casserole. This is a flavor you will not soon forget.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! I add carrots and peas, broccoli and once in a while I will throw in some corn instead.

            What should I serve with this dish?

This casserole can be a complete meal in itself. However, you could serve it with mashed potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes.

            Can I use Turkey?

You can swap out the Turkey for chicken if you choose. It would taste just as wonderful as the chicken does.

            How do I store left-overs?

Once the dish is cooled completely, cover it with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It can be kept in the freezer, cover or in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What do you need to make Sharon’s Amazing Chicken Casserole

            4 bone in chicken breasts, skinless

            1 cup cooked rice

            2 stalks of celery, sliced

            ½ tsp salt

            ⅛ tsp pepper

            ¼ tsp celery salt

            ⅛ tsp onion powder

            ¼ tsp garlic powder

            6 ounces sour cream

            2 cans cream of chicken soup

            2 cups crushed butter flavor crackers

            ½ cup melted butter

What do you need to make Sharon’s Amazing Chicken Casserole

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 350*

In a large pan, place the chicken breasts, celery, salt and pepper. Add enough water to cover the chicken and bring to a boil

a)

b)

SECOND STEP:

Cover and reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer for 35 minutes.

Save 1 cup of liquid, drain the rest

THIRD STEP:

Cool the chicken and remove from the bone. Cut into bite size pieces.

In a large bowl stir together the sour cream, soup, 1 cup of the reserved liquid, the celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste

FOURTH STEP:

Stir in the cooked, cut chicken and the cooked rice.

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

g)

h)

Spoon the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish.

FIFTH STEP:

In a ziploc bag, crush the crackers, then add the melted butter and shake to combine

Sprinkle the casserole with the cracker crumbs

SIXTH STEP:

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy!