Chicken Cha-Cha
Creamy chicken casserole with savory mushroom, chicken, and celery soups topped with seasoned stuffing, baked until golden and bubbly—perfect comfort food for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a 9 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Mix cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and cream of celery soups together and pour over the chicken.
- Prepare stuffing as directed on the package and sprinkle over the chicken and soup mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, covering the dish for the first 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown the stuffing.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in your favorite spices or a little lemon juice before cooking. You can substitute the cream soups with homemade versions or low-fat alternatives if desired. If you prefer a crunchier topping, try adding some crushed crackers or fried onions to the stuffing mix before baking. This dish is reminiscent of other American recipes like Easy, Easy Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Cha-Cha hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or rice. It’s a comforting choice, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken cha-cha in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cha-Cha contains roughly 678 calories, with 30g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1808mg per serving (79% 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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If you use them frozen, you may need to increase the baking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked throughout.
What can I use instead of Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix?
If you don't have Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix, you can use any store-bought stuffing mix or make your own with bread cubes, herbs, and seasonings. A homemade mixture can add a unique touch to the dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just remove the cover and follow the original baking instructions.
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).