Monday, September 21, 2009

Foods of Durham Past: Chicken, Rice and Broccoli Casserole

It's about time I throw a casserole out there. Casseroles are a staple in family dining and they make great leftovers.

I decided to feed my brother's family last night while he was out of town. I came into this under no illusion that my nieces would actually eat it. My sister in law had their default dinner of Macaroni and Cheese all ready to go. The oldest, Chloe, takes after her dad in that she doesn't eat vegetables. In fact, Carter came home towards the end of dinner time. I told him I brought dinner and he headed for the pot of macaroni and cheese.

Anyway, I always loved this casserole. It's simple: chicken, rice, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken, sour cream and some curry. I also put some yellow onion in there.

So...I didn't check the recipe before I went to the store and ended up getting just one can of cream of chicken soup. So it didn't turn out exactly as mom made it (the recipe calls for 3 cans). But if I were to make it again, I would probably only add 2 cans instead of 3 anyway. I guess you could call this the low fat version. I also used "light" sour cream which is a cardinal sin at my mother's house. She would get a little upset whenever I went to the store for her and came back with a jar that said "light" on it.

My favorite part was when Piper blessed the food. She said, "Please bless the food that it will taste good." She also asked a special blessing on their newest sister Tessa that she would "get bigger", which I think is funny considering the current size of this girl's healthy belly.

Kelly told me that Chloe (the oldest) pretty much sets the stage for what the others will eat. I thought they would all like the rolls, because, c'mon, who doesn't like a roll? They were excited about helping me preapre the rolls, and Chloe loved hers, but Piper's was "too hot" she said.

Sadie is the third child and probably the best eater. Chloe once told me, "Sadie eats everything. She always gets dessert."

Despite the look on her face in this picture, Sadie actually thought the casserole was tasty and had a couple of bites.

All in all, it was a successful dinner. And I have leftovers to feed me for a couple days.

Would I eat it again? I'll be eating it for lunch.
Would I make it again? Yes.
Would I feed it to friends? Yes. Kelly really liked it.

8 comments:

Kell's Belles said...

I love that I get to have this for lunch today, too :) Yum! I was actually glad everybody else ate macaroni because it meant more for me! And hello, that deconstructed Caesar salad was pretty awesome, too!

Maybe Piper is praying that Tessa's length will catch up with her girth?

Ilene said...

I haven't ever made this dish. But I did receive three of these casserole when Jackson was born. It was tasty.

I should make it. The one vegetable that my boys like is broccoli.

Jergs Family said...

You'll have to post this recipe because I love this casserole! But my recipe has miracle whip in it, which I detest, so I don't make it anymore. I think my kids might actually eat this one. Looking forward to the recipe!

Laura Lee said...

Here you go Monica:

1 1/2 cups uncooked rice (cook it though)
2 cans cream of chicken
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp curry (or to taste)
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup grated cheddar
2 cups cooked broccoli

Mix all the above together. Spread in a casserole dish.

Cut up 2 boiled chicken breasts and arrange evenly on top, sprinkle with more cheddar cheese.

Bake 350 for 35 minutes

Jergs Family said...

Thanks Laura! It's sounds delicious!

Nasher said...

Sorry I didn't have that can of cream of chicken. I'll make sure to get some this week.

Jergs Family said...

May I just say - YUMMY! My kids devoured it, as did my husband and myself. And we even have enough left over for tonight's dinner. It was delicious. I think it must have been the curry and sour cream that made the difference. Loved it! Will definitely make it again and would absolutely serve it to friends. Thanks for the recipe!

Laura Lee said...

Monica: I'm glad they liked it! Now I need some quinoa recipes from you.