Chicken Chrovale
Creamy chicken casserole with mushrooms, water chestnuts, and crunchy onion topping, blending savory flavors perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 2 cups celery, finely diced ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, sliced
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, cooked in butter ⓘ
- 13 1/2 oz. can fried onion rings, crushed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced onion ⓘ
- 1 cup grated cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients with chicken except cheese and crushed onion rings.
- Turn the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Top with grated cheese and crushed fried onion rings.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier version, consider adding a bit more sour cream or swapping in Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of crushed onion rings. Adjust the curry powder to your taste, or omit it for a milder flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the dish's aroma.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Chrovale pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, it complements well with mashed potatoes or a side of pasta. Enjoy with a light white wine for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Chrovale contains roughly 635 calories, with 29g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1135mg per serving (49% 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 chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover chicken works perfectly in this dish. Just ensure it's cooked and shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces. This is a great way to utilize any rotisserie chicken you have on hand, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, consider using plain Greek yogurt or a blend of yogurt and a bit of mustard for added flavor. This will reduce calories and provide a tangy twist without compromising the creaminess of the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken Chrovale?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with cooked chickpeas or diced tofu. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a creamy vegetable soup, and use vegetable broth to maintain the dish's richness while keeping it meat-free.
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).