Chicken Convention
A hearty, comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, crispy toasted bread or croutons, and a creamy, cheesy topping. Rich in flavors from green peppers, onions, and celery, it's perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a satisfying blend of textures and savory goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 slices toasted bread or 2 boxes Brownberry seasoned croutons ⓘ
- 4 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 3 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium onion chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 jar pimiento chopped ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup grated cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- If not using croutons, trim, butter, and cube slices of toast. Put half of bread cubes on the bottom of a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sauté green pepper, onion, celery, and pimiento; mix with mayonnaise and cooked chicken.
- Spread the mixture over the bread cubes; then cover with remaining cubes.
- Beat eggs and milk together and pour over the casserole.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
- Remove from oven; spread cream of chicken and mushroom soups over the casserole.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Return to oven and bake for 30 more minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try using more croutons instead of bread. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. This dish can be customized similarly to other delicious chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm, ideally with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Consider serving it alongside a bowl of Zucchini Bisque for a comforting, hearty meal. This dish is perfect for brunch or as a potluck contribution.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a damp paper towel or lid to prevent drying out. Heat in the microwave until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Convention contains roughly 1020 calories, with 16g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1381mg per serving (60% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when baked the next day.
What can I substitute for 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 be used for a different flavor profile. Both options will work well in this recipe.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. Freezing may alter the texture slightly, but it's still delicious!
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).