Chicken Chinese
A hearty chicken casserole with Chinese noodles, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and cheese, baked in a creamy soup mixture—perfect for family dinners and comforting meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease inside of foil tray well.
- Place noodles on the bottom of the tray.
- Top with cooked chicken, drained mushrooms, butter or margarine, drained water chestnuts, and grated cheese.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs well and mix with milk, salt, and cream of celery soup.
- Pour the soup mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavors, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to the chicken mixture. If Chinese noodles are unavailable, you can substitute with egg noodles or even rice for a gluten-free option. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with tofu or additional mushrooms. Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to add more color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Chinese dish pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a light salad for a balanced meal. For a more filling option, serve it alongside fried rice or egg rolls. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Browse more Chinese recipes for a delightful meal plan.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to add a splash of milk if it appears dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Chinese contains roughly 534 calories, with 12g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (63% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2144mg 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the dish. Simply shred the chicken and layer it as directed. This makes the preparation quicker, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without starting from scratch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Assemble all the ingredients in the foil tray, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or even a homemade white sauce. Combine equal parts of milk and flour with some seasonings to create a creamy base. This will maintain the dish's richness while offering a slightly different flavor.
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).