Chicken Couch Divine

My mom cooked up a storm for us when she came right before Bjorn made his grand debut. A lot of what I requested was comfort food and this is one of the recipes specifically. I've never made HER recipe before--only the one in my Crate & Barrel cookbook. This one is hands down better. Maybe its the cup of mayo that goes into it...yikes. I like to think all the chicken and broccoli counter the negative effects of the mayo.

...this is like its straight from the Betty Crocker cookbook from the 1950s. Straight up with 7-Up Salad and SO good.

Chicken Couch Divine

Ingredients:

• 5 - 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and cut into small pieces (or the easy way is to buy a store cooked roasted chicken)
• 2 packages of fresh broccoli to steam in microwave...or 2 packages of frozen broccoli, cooked and drained (about 20 ounces total)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder (you can add a little more to taste)
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (again, a little more to taste) grated

Mix sauce ingredients and simmer until warm, and the cheese melts. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in bottom of shallow baking pan (9x13).

Place broccoli in bottom of pan. Cover with some sauce. Layer sliced chicken over sauce and add remaining sauce to cover. You can smash up some croutons to place on top if you want to add a little crunch. Cook 30 minutes in 350 degree oven. Can be prepared a day ahead...increase baking time if casserole has been refrigerated or frozen.

Other recipes still to come from mom's venture to Ann Arbor:

• Kung Pao Chicken
• Chicken Tortilla Casserole
• Chicken Fettucini Alfredo
• Spanish Chicken Breast Bake