Casserola La Paloma
A hearty casserole combining tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy curry-flavored sauce, topped with cheese and crunchy cornflake crumbs for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 10 3/4 oz. can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked chicken or turkey, cubed
- 16 oz. package frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar or American cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup melted margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Blend the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder until smooth.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen vegetables.
- Spread the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the top.
- Mix melted margarine, parsley, and crushed cornflakes; sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and low-fat cheese. You can also substitute the frozen vegetable mix with fresh vegetables like green beans or bell peppers. Adding a pinch of garlic powder can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a crunchier topping, try using crushed tortilla chips instead of cornflakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Casserola La Paloma with a simple side salad, such as a Broccoli-Cauliflower Tossed Salad, to complement the dish's flavors. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with crusty bread or rice. This casserole is great for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can be made ahead and is easy to transport.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Casserola La Paloma contains roughly 320 calories, with 10g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 695mg per serving (30% 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 other meats instead of chicken or turkey?
Yes, you can substitute cooked chicken or turkey with other proteins such as diced ham or even cooked sausage. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to match the flavor of the meat you choose.
What if I don't have cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can make a homemade version by combining chicken broth with milk or cream and adding a thickener like flour or cornstarch. Season it with salt, pepper, and herbs for added flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge when you put it in the oven.
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).