Barbara Padgett'S Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole combining tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and savory stuffing with creamy and savory elements, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oleo ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 eggs
- 1 whole chicken, boiled and bones removed ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 2 ounces diced pimiento, drained ⓘ
- 8 ounces Pepperidge Farm herb stuffing mix ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil a whole chicken and remove the bones, measuring about 4 cups of cooked chicken meat.
- Cook chopped bell pepper and onion in oleo until tender but not browned.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the stuffing with chicken broth.
- Stir in eggs, cream of celery soup, cooked chicken, cooked rice, sautéed onions and peppers, and drained pimiento.
- Mix everything well until combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake uncovered at 325°F for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of sour cream or using cream instead of milk. You can substitute the whole chicken with rotisserie chicken to save time. If you prefer a more savory flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mixture. This casserole can also be customized with vegetables like broccoli or zucchini for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Vegetable Hot Dish for a comforting dinner spread. For added flavor, consider a side of garlic bread or a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbara Padgett'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 444 calories, with 10g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1141mg per serving (50% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is fully thawed and cooked before removing the bones. This will help achieve the right texture and flavor in your casserole.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the cream of celery soup?
If you don’t have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with homemade cream sauce or another cream soup like cream of mushroom. This will still yield a delicious result while adding a different flavor profile.
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).