Chicken Crescent Almondine Casserole
A cheesy, savory casserole combining tender chicken, water chestnuts, mushrooms, and almonds, topped with crescent rolls and cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 large fryers, boiled and cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 3 cans water chestnuts, sliced
- 3 (4 oz.) cans mushroom stems and pieces ⓘ
- 3 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups diced onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups diced celery, sautéed ⓘ
- 2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 cans crescent rolls ⓘ
- 1 package slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 sticks melted margarine
Instructions
- Combine the first eight ingredients: cooked chicken, sliced water chestnuts, mushroom stems and pieces, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, diced sautéed celery, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and layer it over the mixture.
- Sprinkle slivered almonds and grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Drizzle melted margarine over the casserole.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. If you want to reduce calories, you can substitute reduced-fat cream of chicken soup. Additionally, try adding some cooked broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition. This recipe can also be customized with leftover rotisserie chicken instead of boiled fryers for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Crescent Almondine Casserole is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with the Buttery Baked Chicken for a hearty dinner. For added flavor, a side of garlic bread can complement the casserole well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, you can microwave individual portions, but the oven helps maintain the crispiness of the crescent rolls.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Crescent Almondine Casserole contains roughly 1548 calories, with 27g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 149g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1721mg per serving (75% 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 different types of cheese in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the Cheddar cheese with other varieties such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of how melty and flavorful you want the dish to be.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole the day before and store it in the refrigerator unbaked. When you're ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Use a vegetable cream soup instead of cream of chicken soup and consider adding beans for protein. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian casserole that still has great 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).