Chicken Cheddar Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole layered with toasted bread, vegetables, and cheese, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix chopped cooked chicken, chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped green peppers, and mayonnaise in a bowl.
- Spread half of this mixture on the bottom of a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Toast the bread slices and cut them into pieces.
- Layer the toasted bread pieces alternately with the chicken salad mixture in the casserole.
- Beat the eggs and combine with milk.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the layered casserole.
- Let sit for at least 1 hour or overnight to absorb flavors.
- Before baking, pour a can of cream of mushroom soup over the top.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour.
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle grated cheese on top and return to oven until melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese into the chicken mixture before layering. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken makes a great substitute for cooked chicken. You can also swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Cheddar Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a hearty side, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or roasted potatoes. If you're hosting, it also works well as a potluck dish, as it can easily be doubled.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will help maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cheddar Casserole contains roughly 616 calories, with 14g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (224% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 893mg per serving (39% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken; just ensure it's fully thawed and chopped before mixing with the other ingredients. This can save time, especially if you’re using pre-cooked options from the store.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used in place of mayonnaise. This will still provide creaminess while cutting down on calories. Adjust the seasoning as needed, as these alternatives can be tangier.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables, like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also add beans for protein. The rest of the recipe remains the same for a delicious vegetarian casserole.
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).