Buffet Supper Casserole
A hearty buffet supper casserole featuring tender chicken, noodles, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks with comforting, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 5 lb. chicken (stewing) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- celery tops with leaves ⓘ
- 3 oz. can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 12 oz. package medium noodles ⓘ
- 1/3 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oleo or butter ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked ham ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup pimento, slivered ⓘ
Instructions
- Half cover the chicken with water and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
- Cool the chicken and reserve the broth.
- Remove the meat in large pieces and skim the broth.
- Reserve about 4 cups of chicken pieces and broth.
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large skillet, melt oleo or butter and sauté sliced onion, green pepper, and minced onion until tender.
- Add drained mushrooms (reserve juice), green olives (reserve juice), diced pimento, and cooked ham. Cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and reserved juices from mushrooms and olives.
- Mix in grated Cheddar cheese and pepper.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the chicken mixture.
- Transfer everything to a greased casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of stewing chicken; just skip boiling and shredding it. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute whole wheat noodles or gluten-free noodles. For added flavor, consider incorporating your favorite herbs, like thyme or rosemary, and feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Monterey Jack or Gruyère.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a hearty main dish that pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a more filling experience, serve alongside garlic bread or a side of your favorite potato dish, such as Cheese Potato Dish. This comforting dish makes for a perfect family gathering or potluck centerpiece.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to retain moisture, then heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buffet Supper Casserole contains roughly 362 calories, with 12g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), iron (88% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1563mg per serving (68% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you're looking for an alternative to chicken, cooked turkey or even beef can work well in this casserole. For a vegetarian option, consider using a mix of hearty vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms, or even a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu, to maintain a satisfying texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the mixture. Additionally, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for a flavorful kick. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance for the best results.
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).