Chicken Louise
Creamy chicken casserole with vegetables, cheddar, and slivered almonds offers a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings, combining savory and nutty notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with a 1/2-inch layer of chopped celery, broccoli tops, or steamed asparagus.
- Cut chicken into strips and set aside.
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
- Roll chicken strips in the flour mixture until coated.
- Brown the coated chicken in butter in a skillet.
- Lay the browned chicken on top of the prepared vegetable layer in the casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix Cheddar cheese, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, and half and half until well combined.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the chicken in the casserole dish.
- Top with slivered almonds.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the half and half. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used instead of raw chicken strips. For added flavor, try using smoked paprika. This dish, similar to Broccoli Cheese Chicken Rice Bake, can also benefit from a sprinkle of garlic powder in the flour mix.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Louise pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed green beans for a complete meal. For a more filling option, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or rice. You can also offer crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It's an excellent recipe to serve during family gatherings, much like Thanksgiving Pot Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker option, you can microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Louise contains roughly 617 calories, with 27g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (185% of the Daily Value), and iron (170% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 52g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! While celery and broccoli tops are the traditional choices, you can substitute with other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini. Just ensure they are cut into manageable sizes so they cook evenly in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, as it will be colder from the fridge.
Can I freeze Chicken Louise leftovers?
Yes, Chicken Louise freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until 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).