Chicken Marco Polo Casserole
Creamy chicken casserole with broccoli, curry, and slivered almonds offers a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cooked broccoli in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Top the broccoli with cooked boneless chicken breasts.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, white wine, lemon juice, and curry powder to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until thoroughly heated.
- Sprinkle slivered almonds on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for cooked chicken breasts. For a twist, add some sautéed mushrooms or use a different vegetable mix instead of broccoli. This dish is versatile, allowing you to experiment with various spices beyond curry powder.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Marco Polo Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of rice. Consider adding a light vinaigrette to the salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole. It's a fantastic dish for family gatherings or potlucks.
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 preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Marco Polo Casserole contains roughly 695 calories, with 35g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (114% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and protein (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1621mg per serving (70% 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 broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just steam or blanch it until tender before layering it in the casserole. Fresh broccoli will add a vibrant color and slightly firmer texture to the dish, making it a great addition.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a healthier option or are avoiding processed foods, you can make your own cream of chicken soup using a roux of butter and flour mixed with chicken broth and milk. This can provide a fresher taste and control over the ingredients used in your casserole.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).