Cashew Chicken Casserole
A creamy, crunchy cashew chicken casserole combining tender chicken, pasta, vegetables, and hearty soups, baked with a buttery cracker topping—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 c. uncooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 3 c. cooked chicken, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 c. American cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, sliced ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chicken broth
- 1/4 c. butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 2/3 c. saltines, crushed ⓘ
- 3/4 c. cashews ⓘ
Instructions
- In greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish, layer the cooked chicken, pasta, onion, celery, green pepper, water chestnuts, and American cheese in order listed.
- In a bowl, combine the undiluted cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss together the melted butter and crushed saltines; sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Top with cashews.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes or until the macaroni is tender and the topping is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the American cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor. If you want to add vegetables, peas or carrots work well and enhance the nutrition. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. This dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it convenient for busy evenings.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You could also serve it alongside garlic bread for a heartier option. For a family-style dinner, include a side of 'Miracle' Chicken 'N Noodles to complement the flavors. This dish is perfect for potlucks or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
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, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions; just add a splash of milk to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Chicken Casserole contains roughly 701 calories, with 17g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1579mg per serving (69% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it an easy dish to bake the next day.
What can I substitute for the cream soups?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use homemade cream soups or a mixture of Greek yogurt and chicken broth as a substitute. This will still provide creaminess without the preservatives found in canned soups.
Can I freeze the cashew chicken casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. The texture may vary slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.
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).