Au Gratin Chicken Bake
Creamy and cheesy, this Au Gratin Chicken Bake combines tender chicken, water chestnuts, and spaghetti in a rich cheese sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken, cream of celery soup, sliced water chestnuts, cooked and drained spaghetti, 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped pimiento, and soy sauce; mix lightly.
- Spoon into a 1 1/2 quart casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Top with remaining cheese and additional Parmesan cheese; continue baking until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic powder or onion powder into the mixture. If you don't have water chestnuts, sliced mushrooms can be a great substitute. To make it a bit healthier, you can use whole grain spaghetti. This dish can also be customized with different cheeses; try using mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
This Au Gratin Chicken Bake is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also goes well with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier dinner, serve alongside American recipes like corn on the cob or mashed potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave single servings for 2-3 minutes, but oven reheating will maintain the cheese's melty texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Au Gratin Chicken Bake contains roughly 250 calories, with 13g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1925mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
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
What can I substitute for the cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using a flour and broth base combined with cream for a similar consistency. This versatility allows you to cater to your taste or dietary needs while still achieving a creamy texture.
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).