Chicken-Crouton Casserole
A comforting casserole combining seasoned croutons, tender cooked chicken, and creamy soup, topped with crispy croutons—perfect for using leftover poultry and satisfying a family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the seasoned croutons and melted butter together.
- Press half of this mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, milk, diced cooked chicken, frozen peas, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the crouton layer in the pan.
- Top with the remaining crouton mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the soup mixture. If you want to cut down on calories, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or use low-fat soup options. Feel free to add in other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. This dish is similar to a 'Hot Chicken And Rice Dish' in its comforting essence.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken-Crouton Casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside garlic bread. You can also top it with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving to elevate the flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but be cautious to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Crouton Casserole contains roughly 519 calories, with 8g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 652mg per serving (28% 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. Just make sure to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will make your casserole even more convenient and delicious.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through thoroughly.
Can I substitute the cream of celery soup with another type?
Certainly! If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup. Each will provide a different flavor profile but will still work well in the casserole. Just choose what you have on hand or prefer!
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).