Chicken Casserole Oriental
A flavorful chicken casserole with oriental-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, water chestnuts, and walnuts, combined with tender vegetables and rice. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it offers a delightful mix of textures and savory flavors that appeal to lovers of comforting, Asian-influenced dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 (3 oz.) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 3 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked and cubed chicken ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 c. coarsely broken walnuts or almonds ⓘ
- 1 small can water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/3 c. instant rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain mushrooms and reserve 3 tablespoons of liquid.
- Melt butter or margarine in a skillet and sauté the diced onion until tender.
- Stir in the green pepper strips, sliced celery, chicken broth, and soy sauce.
- Add cooked and cubed chicken and the drained mushrooms.
- Mix cornstarch with the reserved mushroom liquid and stir into the chicken mixture.
- Add coarsely broken walnuts or almonds, water chestnuts, and instant rice.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes or until the rice is soft.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh mushrooms instead of canned. If you want a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute the walnuts or almonds with cashews for a different texture. If you're short on chicken broth, water can work in a pinch, but the flavor will be less rich. This dish is a great way to use leftover chicken from meals like Almond Chicken(Stir-Fry).
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Casserole Oriental pairs beautifully with steamed green beans or a light salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete Asian-inspired dinner, consider following it with a light dessert, such as fruit salad or a scoop of sorbet. Explore more Chinese recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute increments until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated evenly. Be sure to check the rice for doneness when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Casserole Oriental contains roughly 553 calories, with 9g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 813mg per serving (35% 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 fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute. Be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture. This can save you time and still provide a nutritious meal without compromising flavor.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great alternative for a lighter flavor. You can also use water, but enhance it with a bit of soy sauce or seasoning to maintain depth in the dish.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day or two. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
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).