Baked Chicken Chow Mein Casserole
A hearty baked chicken chow mein casserole combining tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and flavorful noodles, perfect for a comforting family dinner with a savory mushroom broth base.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil and bone the chicken, then break into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth together until warm.
- Add the chicken, chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped cashews, and 2/3 of the noodles to the soup and broth mixture.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a Pam-sprayed 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, top with the remaining noodles, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken with soy sauce or sesame oil before boiling. Substitute the cashews with peanuts or almonds if you prefer. You can also use homemade dried noodles for a fresher taste. Ensure the broth is low-sodium to control salt levels in the dish. This recipe is versatile, making it easy to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Baked Chicken Chow Mein Casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with Jan'S Chinese B-B-Q for a complete meal. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some fried onions on top before serving. This dish is perfect for sharing at gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken Chow Mein Casserole contains roughly 591 calories, with 14g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (32% of the Daily Value) and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 586mg per serving (25% 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 leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and mix it directly into the soup and broth mixture. This will reduce the cooking time and allow you to enjoy the casserole even faster.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you want to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and cream or a dairy-free alternative. Blend them until smooth to create a similar creamy consistency that will work well in this casserole.
Can I freeze this casserole before baking?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. This makes it a convenient meal option for busy days.
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).