Southern Chicken Casserole

Southern Chicken Casserole
Introduction
Hey y'all, today we're diving into a classic Southern comfort dish that's sure to warm your soul and fill your belly. We're making an old-fashioned Southern Chicken Casserole with a rich, homemade gravy and topped with fluffy biscuits. This recipe uses fresh ingredients, bringing together the best of Southern cooking in one delicious dish. Let's get started!

Ingredients
For the Casserole:
1 whole chicken, cooked and shredded
2 cups chicken broth (from cooking the chicken)
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, onions), chopped
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup lima beans or green beans
2 potatoes, diced
1 can green peas
1 jar (4 oz) red pinto beans, drained
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
1 tsp McCormick poultry seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Gravy:
1 cup half-and-half (half cream, half milk)
3 tbsp corn starch
3 tbsp butter
1 heaping cup chicken broth (reserved from cooking the chicken)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Biscuits:
2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup Blue Plate Mayonnaise
1 cup milk
1 tsp poultry seasoning

Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Broth:
After cooking your chicken, shred the meat and set aside.
Skim the fat off the top of the broth and set the broth aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large cast iron pot, sauté the chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, and onions) over medium heat until they start to soften.
Add the frozen peas, lima beans, green beans, and potatoes. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Transfer the vegetables to a large mixing bowl.

3. Make the Gravy:
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Mix the half-and-half with the corn starch until smooth, then slowly add to the pot, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

Add the reserved chicken broth and cook until the gravy thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning to taste.

4. Combine the Casserole:
In the bowl with the sautéed vegetables, add the shredded chicken, canned peas, drained red pinto beans, and chopped boiled eggs (if using).
Pour the thickened gravy over the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.

5. Make the Biscuits:
In a mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, mayonnaise, milk, and poultry seasoning. Stir until you have a thick, sticky dough.
Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the top of the casserole mixture, spacing them evenly.

6. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the casserole for 40 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

7. Serve:
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. The biscuits should be fluffy on top with a deliciously creamy and savory chicken filling underneath.

Conclusion
There you have it, folks—a comforting, hearty Southern Chicken Casserole topped with fluffy biscuits, just like Mama used to make. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The combination of tender chicken, creamy gravy, and soft biscuits is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this taste of Southern comfort, and we'll see you next time . Bye y'all, we love you!

Created by : Collard Valley Cooks