Chicken Casserole For Buffet
A hearty chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy mushroom and onion sauce, perfect for family dinners or buffet gatherings with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Precook chicken breasts and remove in good size pieces from bones.
- Grease a casserole dish.
- Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of the casserole.
- Saute chopped onion and sliced mushrooms in butter.
- Mix undiluted cream of chicken soup and sour cream with the sauteed onions and mushrooms.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes.
- This dish can be assembled the day before and baked when needed.
- It also freezes well.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in white wine and herbs before cooking. If you don't have cream of chicken soup, a homemade version using chicken broth and a roux can work well. You can also substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Lana'S Chicken Supreme for a delightful buffet spread. For a heartier meal, consider adding crusty bread or rice as a side to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Casserole For Buffet contains roughly 371 calories, with 12g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (78% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1073mg per serving (47% 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 types of meat in this casserole?
Yes, you can use turkey or even cooked ham as a substitute for chicken. Just ensure that the meat is precooked and cut into bite-sized pieces to maintain the same cooking time and texture in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I add to make this dish more nutritious?
You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for added nutrition. Mixing in some cooked quinoa or brown rice can also boost the fiber content while making the casserole more filling.
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).