Bessie'S Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole featuring tender cooked chicken, creamy celery soup, and a fluffy biscuit topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bone and chop the cooked chicken.
- Add salt and pepper to the chicken.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Mix cream of celery soup, chicken broth, and oleo together.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the casserole dish.
- Make a topping by mixing flour, baking powder, and milk.
- Pour the batter over the entire casserole mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 425°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the soup mixture. If you're short on chicken broth, you can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, though this may slightly alter the flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the dish, similar to other comforting American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving alongside crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the delicious sauce, complementing the flavors of this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bessie'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 634 calories, with 17g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2516mg per serving (109% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor. Just ensure you remove the skin and bones before chopping it up, then follow the rest of the recipe as directed.
What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can make a homemade version using cream of mushroom soup or even cream of chicken soup. Alternatively, a simple white sauce with sautéed celery and onions can work well.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).