Cherry Hill Chicken
Creamy and savory, Cherry Hill Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a rich mushroom soup and crunchy water chestnuts, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and grease a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl: mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, chopped celery, and water chestnuts.
- Place the mixture into the greased casserole dish.
- Bake until heated through and bubbly, approximately 30-40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also add in some cooked rice or quinoa for extra texture. If you prefer a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This dish can also be made with leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation time.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Hill Chicken pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a comforting touch, a side of garlic bread can make this dish even more delightful.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Hill Chicken contains roughly 886 calories, with 17g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 848mg per serving (37% 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 in this recipe?
It's best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed before mixing with the other ingredients to achieve the desired consistency and flavor. You may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using heavy cream, sautéed mushrooms, and a bit of chicken broth. Alternatively, a mix of sour cream and a bit of chicken broth can work as well.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with a mixture of sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the soup substitution, and ensure your mayonnaise is egg-free or use a plant-based alternative.
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).