Chicken Celery Casserole
A creamy chicken and celery casserole topped with crunchy crackers and almonds, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering with rich flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken ⓘ
- 4 cups celery, sliced diagonally into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can celery soup ⓘ
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar diced pimiento
- 2 cups grated cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine, melted ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine melted margarine and cracker crumbs, set aside.
- Cook celery in a small amount of water until crisp-tender.
- Saute onion in a small amount of margarine until tender.
- Combine cream of chicken soup, celery soup, sliced water chestnuts, diced pimiento, and grated cheese in a bowl.
- Mix well.
- Stir in cooked celery, sauteed onion, and cooked chicken.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish.
- Top with cracker crumbs, then sprinkle with slivered almonds.
- Bake at 350°F until brown and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for the onion. If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can use a homemade white sauce or a different cream soup. To lighten the dish, use low-fat cheese or replace some of the cheese with additional vegetables. This dish is a great way to use leftover chicken from recipes like Fiery Drumsticks or Lazy Fried Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Celery Casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, serve alongside rice or mashed potatoes, enhancing the comfort of this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Celery Casserole contains roughly 1048 calories, with 14g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2146mg per serving (93% 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 chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You may also want to cook it thoroughly to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole. If you're short on time, consider using rotisserie chicken for a quick and delicious option.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also add cooked quinoa or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth and a vegetarian cream soup alternative to keep the flavors rich.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining.
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).