Nixon chicken casserole is a classic American comfort food dish that was reportedly a favorite of former President Richard Nixon. The casserole features chicken, rice, cream of mushroom soup, cheese, and vegetables baked together into a creamy, hearty meal.
History of Nixon Chicken Casserole
The origin of Nixon chicken casserole is not entirely clear, but it seems to have emerged in the mid-20th century during Nixon’s political career. According to legend, Pat Nixon, Richard’s wife, served the dish to guests at the White House during his presidency in the 1960s and 1970s.
The dish became strongly associated with Nixon and was seen as emblematic of his down-to-earth, unpretentious tastes. It exemplified the kind of simple, hearty fare many associated with the “silent majority” of Americans Nixon claimed to represent.
Ingredients in Nixon Chicken Casserole
Nixon chicken casserole typically contains the following ingredients:
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are commonly used in this recipe. The chicken provides protein and bulk.
Rice
Long grain white rice acts as a starchy base that absorbs flavors and provides carbohydrates.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Cream of mushroom adds a creamy texture and earthy mushroom flavor. Condensed canned soup is most often used.
Cheese
Shredded cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack cheese helps bind the ingredients and adds tang.
Vegetables
Onions, celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots are popular additions for extra nutrition.
Herbs and Spices
Thyme, rosemary, parsley, black pepper, and paprika can provide seasoning.
Steps to Make Nixon Chicken Casserole
Making Nixon chicken casserole is simple. Here is an outline of the basic steps:
1. Dice the chicken and sauté with onions, carrots, and celery until browned.
2. Add the rice, mushrooms, seasonings, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir thoroughly.
3. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
4. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
5. Let stand 5 minutes before serving warm.
The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Cooking time may need to be extended for chilled casseroles.
Variations
There are many possible variations on classic Nixon chicken casserole:
– Substitute broccoli for some of the vegetables.
– Use a combo of Swiss and cheddar cheese.
– Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top.
– Mix in peas, corn, or beans.
– Use alternate canned soups like cream of chicken.
– Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top for crunch.
– Add hot sauce or garlic for extra flavor.
– Use stove-top stuffing mix instead of rice.
– Mix in different herbs like oregano, basil, or chives.
Nutrition Facts
A serving of Nixon chicken casserole provides:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 |
| Fat | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Protein | 29g |
It is a hearty, comforting dish that delivers protein, vegetables, and grains. The use of cream soup does add quite a bit of sodium, around 800mg per serving.
Popularity and Legacy
Nixon chicken casserole became a food closely associated with the former president’s image. It represented his preferences for simple, unfussy dishes that everyday Americans enjoyed.
The dish made frequent appearances at Nixon-themed events, rallies, and memorial dinners over the years. It remains popular today as a nostalgic retro recipe evoking Midwestern cuisine of the 1950s and 60s.
While not fancy, Nixon chicken casserole delivers on comfort. It brings together chicken, rice, veggies, and cream soup into a one-dish meal many find hard to resist. This cheesy casserole has cemented its reputation as a presidential favorite.
Conclusion
Nixon chicken casserole is a creamy, hearty casserole that brings together chicken, rice, mushrooms, vegetables, and cheese sauce. It reportedly originated with Pat Nixon and became a food icon of Richard Nixon’s plainspoken image. This retro recipe remains popular today as a nostalgic and delicious comfort food dish. With its simple ingredients and flavors, Nixon chicken casserole encapsulates the unfussy cuisine of middle America.