Wood Chuck
A hearty casserole combining tender turkey or chicken with mushrooms, cheese, and noodles, perfect for a comforting family meal with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make a roux of flour and melted butter.
- Add milk and cook until thickened.
- Add cheese and remove from heat, stirring until cheese melts.
- Saute mushrooms and diced celery in 2 teaspoons butter.
- Add sautéed mushrooms and celery to the sauce.
- Stir in cooked, diced turkey or chicken and diced hard-boiled eggs.
- Serve on plates over the Chinese noodles.
- Garnish with slices of the third hard-boiled egg.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream along with the milk. You can substitute any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for the grated cheese. If you want a bit of crunch, try adding some chopped nuts or seeds. This dish can also be adapted for vegetarian diets by omitting the turkey or chicken and using extra mushrooms instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Wood Chuck over a bed of chow mein noodles for a delightful texture contrast. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad, such as Celery Delight, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a side of Frozen Potato Casserole for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wood Chuck contains roughly 903 calories, with 7g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (45% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh mushrooms can add great flavor and texture to the dish. Simply sauté them until they are golden brown before adding them to the sauce. You might want to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are tender.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken or turkey in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you're ready to serve. Just reheat gently and serve over freshly cooked noodles for the best texture.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be creatively repurposed into a casserole. Layer the mixture with more noodles and cheese, then bake until bubbly. Alternatively, mix with some fresh greens for a hearty salad or serve it with toast for a delicious sandwich.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).