Cashew Chicken Bake
A savory baked chicken dish with crunchy cashews, tender vegetables, and a creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 large chicken breasts, cooked and cut up ⓘ
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) fancy Oriental vegetables, drained ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped onion
- 1/2 lb. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 can (5 or 6 oz.) water chestnuts, sliced and drained ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 can (3 oz.) chow mein noodles ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cups cashews ⓘ
Instructions
- On the day before serving, mix all ingredients except the cashews together in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and refrigerate overnight.
- Before baking, top the casserole with sliced cashews.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until heated through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using homemade cream of chicken soup instead of canned. You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of soup. Adding a dash of soy sauce can enhance the flavor, similar to the taste of Creole Chicken Gumbo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cashew Chicken Bake hot, garnished with additional cashews for crunch. It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup, like a simple chicken broth, to balance the richness of the bake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Chicken Bake contains roughly 1237 calories, with 65g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (129% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value), and iron (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1951mg per serving (85% 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 vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen Oriental vegetables. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing them into the casserole to avoid excess moisture that could make the dish soggy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, ensure you use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check that your chow mein noodles are gluten-free. You can also replace any soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative.
What can I substitute for cashews?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use cashews, you can substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. Alternatively, omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
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).