I've been reminiscing about childhood comfort foods, and let me tell you, my mom's chicken casserole was THE ultimate comfort dish. It was like a warm hug on a plate. But here's the twist: instead of the sodium-heavy canned stuff like Campbell's cream of mushroom, I've whipped up a homemade version that's a game-changer. Trust me, you'll never go back!

Now, let's chat about why this dish is a winner in my book. First off, that homemade cream of mushroom soup? It's pure liquid gold. I mean, it's not just for the casserole – it's a superstar on its own. Picture this: cozy lunch option, drool-worthy gravy drizzled over pan-seared chicken or pork chops – the possibilities are endless.

But wait, there's more! This casserole isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about versatility too. Feel free to toss in some veggies like broccoli, spinach, or peas for an extra pop of color and nutrition. It’s like sneaky mom mode – they won't even know they're eating veggies!

Oh, and here's the best part for busy moms like us: it calls for either leftover baked chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken. Talk about a time-saver!

Now, let's get into some pro tips to ensure your casserole turns out just right. First, when you're mixing everything together, aim for a consistency that's on the soupy side. The noodles will soak up the excess liquid as they bake, resulting in the perfect creamy texture. And don't forget, leftovers are your best friend! This recipe makes plenty, so don’t hesitate to freeze half of it for a future hassle-free dinner.

So there you have it, my lovelies – my mom's classic chicken casserole recipe that's sure to warm your heart and your stomach. It's a dish that's steeped in nostalgia yet brimming with fresh flavors and possibilities. So, grab your apron and let’s whip up a little taste of home together.

Until next time, happy cooking!

Why it Works:

Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: Unlike canned alternatives, this recipe uses a homemade cream of mushroom soup that's rich, flavorful, and free from excess sodium and artificial additives, elevating the dish's taste and healthiness.
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Versatility: This chicken casserole isn't just a one-trick pony. With the option to add various vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas, it's adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile go-to meal for any occasion.
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Time-saving Ingredients: Utilizing leftover baked chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken streamlines the cooking process, making it an ideal option for busy moms looking to whip up a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
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‍Freezable: With the ability to freeze half of the casserole (unbaked), this recipe offers convenience and flexibility, allowing for easy meal prep and future hassle-free dinners.

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Tools You'll Need

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For sautéing the vegetables and preparing the homemade cream of mushroom soup.
Baking Dish: To assemble and bake the chicken casserole.
Mixing Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients together and ensuring even distribution.
Cutting Board and Knife: To chop and prepare the vegetables and chicken.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients, especially for the homemade cream of mushroom soup.
Optional: Cheese Grater (if using block cheese) and Aluminum Foil (for covering the casserole while baking).

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Pro Tips To Help You Out

Consistency of Cream of Mushroom Soup: When preparing the homemade cream of mushroom soup, ensure that the flour is fully incorporated into the vegetables to create a smooth roux, which will help thicken the soup properly.
Seasoning: Taste the cream of mushroom soup before adding it to the casserole and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, and other spices to suit your preference.
Soupy Mixture: Aim for a slightly soupy consistency when combining the cooked noodles, chicken, and cream of mushroom soup in the baking dish. The noodles will absorb moisture as they bake, resulting in the perfect creamy texture.
Non-Stick Spray: Make sure to coat your baking dish in non-stick cooking spray, it will make clean up a hell of a lot easier.
Freezing Half of the Casserole: If planning to freeze a portion of the casserole for later use, allow it to cool completely before covering tightly with aluminum foil and freezing. Remember to adjust baking time when cooking from frozen.
Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to the cream of mushroom soup or casserole mixture for added flavor and variety.

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