Chicken Casserole With Cheese Crescents
A comforting chicken casserole featuring tender cooked chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with flaky crescents. Perfect for family dinners, it combines hearty flavors with a satisfying texture, making it an easy and versatile dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange sliced celery, hard-boiled eggs, and chopped cooked chicken in an ungreased 8x8x2 inch baking pan.
- Melt butter over low heat in a saucepan.
- Stir in flour, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and stir in milk.
- Heat the mixture to boiling, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add sliced onion and chopped green pepper to the mixture.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
- Serve with cheese crescents on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from other meals. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute low-fat milk and use whole wheat flour. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with cheese on top before baking. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken In Crescent Rolls With Cheese Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs for color. It goes well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting side, consider serving with garlic bread or crusty rolls. This dish also pairs nicely with a light white wine for an elevated dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Casserole With Cheese Crescents contains roughly 570 calories, with 14g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1774mg per serving (77% 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 used in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture. This can save time and still provide a delicious result.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, such as the chicken and broth, are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as it will be cold from the fridge.
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).