Aunt Vivian'S Chicken Bake
A comforting baked chicken casserole with tender bread, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or potlucks that enjoy hearty, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place half of the torn bread in a well-greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Combine chopped celery, onion, green pepper, mayonnaise, and cooked diced chicken; mix well.
- Spread the chicken mixture over the bread layer.
- Mix together the rest of the ingredients (milk, eggs, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup), and pour over the layered bread and chicken mixture.
- Place the remaining bread on top of the mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or for several hours.
- Bake at 350°F for 55 to 60 minutes or until done.
- Optional: About 15 minutes before baking is complete, sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top and bake until melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or replacing it with Greek yogurt. If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works well as a substitute. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. To enhance flavor, try adding garlic powder or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Vivian's Chicken Bake with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes or a warm, crusty bread. For a lighter option, consider a fresh citrus salad on the side. This dish makes for a comforting family dinner or a delicious potluck offering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen before baking for up to 2 months; just thaw and bake as directed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Vivian'S Chicken Bake contains roughly 1004 calories, with 12g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 971mg per serving (42% 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
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but it may become mushier when baked. If using fresh bread, consider toasting it lightly first to help absorb the liquid without getting too soggy.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version with sautéed mushrooms, cream, and chicken broth. This will give you a similar creamy texture and savory flavor.
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).