Capital Chicken Casserole
Capital Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy mushroom and artichoke sauce, accented by sherry and tarragon. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish offers savory flavors and a satisfying texture, complemented by a side of wild rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 6 large chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 lb. fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 c. sherry ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. canned chicken broth
- 1/2 c. half and half ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. tarragon leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 (15 oz.) can artichoke hearts ⓘ
- 6 green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown chicken breasts on all sides in oil and butter.
- Remove chicken and place in a long casserole dish.
- Saute mushrooms in the oil and butter used for browning the chicken.
- Stir in flour to the mushroom mixture.
- Add cream of chicken soup, sherry, and chicken broth. Simmer about 10 minutes or until thickened.
- Stir in half and half, salt, tarragon leaves, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
- Add artichoke hearts and chopped green onions on top.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve with wild rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme when sautéing the mushrooms. If you don't have sherry, white wine or chicken broth can be a suitable substitute. Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overdone to keep it juicy. Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with wild rice, but you can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving with crusty bread or garlic bread. It also makes a great centerpiece for gatherings and can be complemented with a light white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, to maintain the casserole's texture. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Capital Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1634 calories, with 6g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 173g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1283mg per serving (56% 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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If using frozen, adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to the baking step and refrigerate it overnight. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking it straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth. Alternatively, a can of cream of mushroom soup can also work well, 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).