Chicken Casserole Supreme
A hearty chicken casserole topped with crunchy bread crumbs, combining tender chicken, mixed vegetables, creamy cheese spread, and savory rice. Perfect for family dinners or comforting gatherings, this dish offers a rich, satisfying flavor with a golden, crispy topping that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine hot cooked rice and cheese spread in a large bowl.
- Add cooked diced chicken, cooked vegetables, and undiluted cream of chicken soup.
- Mix well and pour into a buttered 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with bread crumbs.
- Bake, covered, in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove cover and bake until bread crumbs are brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the mixture. You can also substitute the cheese spread with cream cheese for a richer flavor. If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. For extra nutrition, try adding spinach or kale to the vegetable mix. This dish is a great way to incorporate leftovers, similar to Aunt Yvonne'S Chicken Crabmeat Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread for extra texture. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside Lemon Asparagus Chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Casserole Supreme can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium heat until warm, but be careful not to dry it out. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Casserole Supreme contains roughly 264 calories, with 9g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1092mg 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 uncooked chicken in this recipe?
It's best to use cooked chicken for this casserole to ensure even cooking. If you only have uncooked chicken, you can cook it beforehand or consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience. This helps in saving time and ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can use a homemade version by mixing equal parts of chicken broth and heavy cream with some flour for thickening. Alternatively, cream of mushroom or vegetable soup can work well as substitutes, providing a different flavor while maintaining creaminess.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or gatherings.
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).