Chicken en Casserole is a delightful and flavorful dish that embodies the heartwarming essence of rustic and wholesome cooking. Rooted in traditional culinary techniques, this dish showcases the art of slow-cooking and layering flavors to create a succulent and aromatic masterpiece. With a history deeply entwined with the tradition of French casseroles, Chicken en Casserole celebrates the comfort and elegance of a well-prepared chicken dish. Let’s explore the history and story behind this savory creation and delve into the step-by-step process of crafting this delightful dish.

The concept of cooking food in a casserole, a deep, oven-safe dish, dates back centuries and spans many cultures. The casserole method allows flavors to meld and intensify as the ingredients gently simmer and stew together, resulting in dishes that are both comforting and rich in taste.

Chicken en Casserole finds its inspiration in the casseroles of French cuisine, which have long been cherished for their ability to transform simple ingredients into sumptuous feasts. By layering flavors and utilizing slow-cooking techniques, cooks were able to create meals that delighted both the palate and the senses.

The choice of using a whole chicken for roasting in the casserole showcases a commitment to capturing the essence of the bird’s natural flavors. The addition of cream, mushrooms, and parsley contributes depth and complexity, elevating the dish to new heights of culinary excellence.

As time progressed, Chicken en Casserole became a beloved classic on dining tables around the world, adored for its ability to comfort and nourish. The versatility of the dish allowed for variations, such as substituting oysters for mushrooms, adding a delightful twist that showcases the creativity and adaptability of the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tender chicken for roasting
• 1/2 cupful Crisco (shortening)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pint hot water
• 1 cupful hot sweet cream
• 2 cupfuls chopped mushrooms
• 1 tablespoonful chopped parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Chicken: Clean the chicken and split it down the back. Lay the chicken breast-side up in a casserole dish.
2. Season the Chicken: Spread Crisco over the chicken breast and dust it with salt and pepper.
3. Add Liquid: Pour hot water into the casserole to create a cooking liquid around the chicken.
4. Cook the Chicken: Cover the casserole closely and place it in a hot oven. Allow the chicken to cook for approximately one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
5. Add Cream and Flavorings: When the chicken is nearly tender, add the hot sweet cream, chopped mushrooms, and chopped parsley to the casserole.
6. Continue Cooking: Cover the casserole once again and continue cooking for an additional twenty minutes. This step allows the cream and mushrooms to infuse the dish with their flavors.
7. Serve: Once fully cooked, serve the Chicken en Casserole hot, directly from the casserole dish. The dish’s aroma and flavors will be at their peak, creating an enticing and satisfying meal.

NOTE:

• For variation, oysters can be substituted for mushrooms, adding a delightful and unique flavor profile to the dish.

Chicken en Casserole stands as a testament to the marriage of time-honored cooking techniques and the creativity of culinary innovation. As you indulge in the tender and succulent chicken, enriched by the creamy sauce and aromatic mushrooms, you’ll appreciate the artistry that has made this dish a beloved classic in the world of comfort cuisine.