Chicken-Chestnut Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole with rice, water chestnuts, and crunchy corn flakes topping, blending creamy, savory flavors perfect for family dinners or comfort food craving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute celery and onion with half of the butter until the onion is clear.
- Mix the cooked, boned, and diced chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sliced water chestnuts, and mayonnaise together.
- Melt the remaining butter and mix it with the crushed corn flakes.
- Sprinkle the corn flakes mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, or until hot and fluffy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken with herbs like thyme or rosemary before cooking. If you don't have mayonnaise, Greek yogurt can serve as a healthier substitute. You can also swap water chestnuts for sliced mushrooms for a different texture. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside Aunt Lori'S Mystery Potatoes for a comforting, family-style dinner. For a complete experience, offer crusty bread or rolls to soak up any creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Chestnut Casserole contains roughly 1255 calories, with 18g protein, 196g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (195% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (188% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (126% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1954mg per serving (85% 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 prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth. Alternatively, cream of mushroom soup can also work well for a different flavor profile.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
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).