Mom B's Chicken Casserole

This recipe has to be one of the best comfort foods I know. My mom would make this when I was growing up, and whenever I make it, it reminds me of home. Yum!! Serve with fresh baked bread and it doesn't get any better!!!



Mom B's Chicken Casserole
 1 onion, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup dice carrots
1/2 cup uncooked rice
2 cups chicken broth
4 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 4-ounce can sliced mushrooms
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mayonaise
 grated cheese for topping
1 to 2 cups breadcrumbs (depending on whether you are using a round or rectangle casserole dish)
1/4 cup melted butter

Boil chicken in water with boullion and a little onion ,celery. salt and pepper for an hour(adding a piece of onion and celery makes yummy chicken broth.) Let cool and de-bone and cut up.
Cook onion, celery, and carrots in 1 cup broth in a small saucepan. In another small sauce pan, cook the 1/2 cup rice in the other cup of broth . Cook both the veggies and rice for 10 minutes. While that is cooking, mix the soup, and mayo together, then add the chicken and mushrooms. Salt and pepper to taste. When veggies and rice have cooked for 10 minutes, stir into the soup mixture. Pour into a 2 quart casserole dish  that was sprayed with Pam.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, then top with cheese. I usually mix the melted butter with bread crumbs and add after the cheese. Bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes until cheese is melty and breadcrumbs are a golden brown.
Serve with warm bread and enjoy!!  Tastes like home!!