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Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole Recipe

A comforting, creamy chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a crunchy topping, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken, cooked, cut in small bite sized pieces
• 4 cups pasta, cooked and drained
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup cheese, reserved for sprinkling on top
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them dance in the pan until the onion becomes translucent and soft, which should take around 3 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent any browning; you’re aiming for a sweet aroma to fill your kitchen.

2. Step 2: Create the Creamy Base Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir continuously for about a minute to cook out that raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and sour cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking, whisking occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a lovely, creamy consistency. This should take about 5 minutes.

3. Step 3: Melt the Cheese Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated cheese, reserving half a cup for later. Mix until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce, creating a smooth and cheesy heaven.

4. Step 4: Combine the Main Ingredients Gently fold the cooked chicken pieces and pasta into the cheesy sauce. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, and add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the chicken and pasta are well-coated with the sauce.

5. Step 5: Assemble the Casserole Transfer this delicious medley into a prepared 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and don’t forget to sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top. This will form a delightful, bubbling crust as it bakes.

6. Step 6: Bake to Perfection Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Let it bake for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid any unwanted over-browning. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving, giving the flavors a moment to settle.

Notes

A common stumble when making this casserole is adding the flour too late or not cooking it enough. This can lead to a sauce that's grainy. So, when you toss that flour in, give it a good stir and let it mingle with the butter for a minute. This helps avoid lumps and ensures your sauce is smooth as silk!

Another hiccup is overcooking the pasta. Remember, it’ll continue cooking in the oven, so keep it al dente while boiling. This keeps your casserole delightfully firm, not mushy.

Lastly, keep an eye on that baking time. Just until the cheese bubbles, my friend, or your masterpiece might dry out.