Chicken For A Crowd
A comforting casserole combining tender cooked chicken, creamy mushroom or chicken soup, crispy bread cubes, and melted cheddar cheese, enhanced with flavorful celery, onion, pimiento, and a hint of curry. Perfect for feeding a crowd at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinners, offering hearty, savory goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced cooked chicken or turkey ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
- 1 tablespoon chopped pimiento ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- curry (a little) ⓘ
- water chestnuts (optional) ⓘ
- 8 slices bread, cubed ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 pint half-and-half cream ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch Pyrex dish.
- Place 4 slices of cubed bread on the bottom of the dish.
- Spread the cooked chicken mixture over the bread layer.
- Top with the remaining 4 slices of cubed bread.
- In a bowl, mix eggs and half-and-half cream together.
- Pour the egg mixture over the assembled layers in the dish.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to let it stand.
- Next day, spread the can of cream of mushroom or chicken soup evenly over the casserole.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding some spices like garlic powder or paprika alongside the curry. If you want a lighter version, swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. For added crunch, include chopped water chestnuts if desired. This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses or even add vegetables like spinach.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken For A Crowd dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a hearty side, serve it alongside Scalloped Potatoes With Salami Slices or some crusty bread. Consider offering a light dessert like Easy Lemon Icebox Pie to balance the richness of the casserole, making for a satisfying dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken For A Crowd contains roughly 347 calories, with 10g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 985mg per serving (43% 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 prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Just remember to add the cream soup and cheese topping before baking. This makes it perfect for entertaining, as you can spend more time with your guests instead of in the kitchen.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. This allows you to control the flavor and ingredients, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or specific tastes.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken or turkey with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use plant-based cream soups and cheeses. This way, you can enjoy a delicious casserole that caters to vegetarian diets without sacrificing 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).