C. B. Chicken Casserole
Creamy chicken casserole combines tender chicken, rice, mushrooms, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking a hearty, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or oleo ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz) jar chopped pimento ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked chicken ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked rice, prepared in chicken broth ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups grated cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onions and celery in butter until tender, but not brown. Stir in mushrooms, pimentos, chicken, and cooked rice.
- Blend chicken broth and condensed cream of mushroom soup until smooth.
- Stir the soup mixture into the chicken and rice mixture.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Turn the mixture into a greased 8 x 12 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or substituting the butter with olive oil. If you want to lighten the dish, use reduced-fat cheese or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers or spinach instead of some chicken. For a different twist, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of paprika. This casserole can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, serve it with crusty bread or garlic knots on the side. You can also explore more delicious options like Don'S Chicken And Dressing Casserole or Barbecue Chicken Casserole to complement your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover C. B. Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 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 C. B. Chicken Casserole contains roughly 378 calories, with 10g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2085mg per serving (91% 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 uncooked chicken in this recipe?
While it's possible to use uncooked chicken, it's best to cook the chicken beforehand to ensure it is tender and fully cooked. Adding raw chicken will alter the baking time and may result in uneven cooking. Always ensure poultry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
You can use homemade cream of mushroom soup or substitute it with Easy Cream Broccoli Soup for a different flavor. Another option is to make a white sauce with sautéed mushrooms and seasonings to achieve a similar creamy consistency.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, C. B. Chicken Casserole can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If already baked, reheat from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it's heated through.
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).