Chicken Casserole With Water Chestnuts
A comforting chicken casserole with creamy mushroom and celery soups, crunchy water chestnuts, and savory stuffing, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss stuffing with melted margarine.
- Put half of this mixture in a sprayed 9x13-inch Pyrex dish.
- Add a layer of cut-up chicken over the stuffing.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, and water chestnuts.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken layer.
- Add the remaining stuffing on top.
- Pour chicken broth over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you want extra crunch, add sliced almonds or more water chestnuts. You can substitute the stuffing with crushed crackers or bread crumbs if needed. To enhance flavors, try adding garlic powder or onion flakes to the stuffing mixture. This dish is similar to other comforting American recipes and is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Darlene's Crock-Pot Dinner for a hearty gathering. For an added touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top before serving for extra flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Casserole With Water Chestnuts contains roughly 16 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Make sure to cook the casserole until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It's a great way to ensure the dish is juicy and flavorful.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it's heated through.
Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will still provide a hearty texture and flavor to the dish.
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).