Chicken Crescent Casserole
A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole topped with flaky crescent rolls, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. The combination of tender chicken, water chestnuts, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese creates a comforting dish with a savory flavor profile that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cut in pieces ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained ⓘ
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls ⓘ
- 2/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 2 to 4 tablespoons melted margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sliced water chestnuts, mushroom stems and pieces, mayonnaise, chopped celery, chopped onion, and sour cream. Cook over medium heat until hot and bubbly.
- Transfer the mixture to an 8 x 12-inch ungreased baking dish.
- Place the refrigerated crescent dinner rolls over the hot chicken mixture.
- Combine shredded Swiss cheese and melted margarine, then spread this cheese mixture over the rolls.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of chicken broth to the mixture. If you don’t have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or cheddar can be great substitutes. To save time, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Additionally, you can incorporate vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust the mayonnaise to your taste for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Crescent Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also goes well with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. For a heartier option, serve it alongside Hash Brown Casserole (Low-Fat Version) for a comforting combination that everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Crescent Casserole contains roughly 597 calories, with 11g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1245mg per serving (54% 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 fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken, but you'll need to cook it first. Boil, bake, or sauté the chicken until fully cooked, then let it cool before cutting it into pieces. This will ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful in the casserole.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you want a healthier alternative, you can use a homemade white sauce or a can of cream of mushroom soup. For a vegan option, consider using plant-based cream soups that mimic the texture and flavor of cream of chicken soup.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).