A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 8 servings. 1 cup whole milk 1 cup sour cream 1 large egg ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon garlic powder 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 8 servings. 1 cup whole milk 1 cup sour cream 1 large egg ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon garlic powder 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped

Yield: 8 servings.

1 cup whole milk
1 cup sour cream
1 large egg
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 sleeve Ritz Crackers, crushed
½ cup slivered almonds
6 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, sour cream, egg, and onion and garlic powders until well combined. Stir in chicken, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Spoon mixture into casserole dish and spread evenly into corners. Top with crushed crackers and slivered almonds. Pour butter evenly over casserole.

Bake for 40 minutes or until edges of casserole are golden and bubbly.

print it

This story was published on Feb 17, 2026

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.