Chicken Marvelous
A hearty and creamy chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, green beans, water chestnuts, and a savory sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 whole chicken breasts, cooked and cut up ⓘ
- 1 package Mahatma curry rice, cooked according to directions ⓘ
- 1 package Birds Eye French-style green beans, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced water chestnuts
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons chicken broth
Instructions
- Mix the cooked chicken, cooked curry rice, green beans, water chestnuts, chopped onion, cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, and chicken broth thoroughly.
- Place the mixture in a casserole dish.
- Cover the casserole dish and freeze if desired; thaw before cooking.
- Bake, covered, at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding curry powder or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you don't have water chestnuts, sliced almonds can provide a similar crunch. You can substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile. This recipe is flexible; feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to enhance the dish, making it similar to Chicken And Ritz.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Marvelous pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Al Johnson'S Brunswick Stew, which complements the flavors well.
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 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Marvelous contains roughly 976 calories, with 18g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1015mg per serving (44% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked chicken in this recipe?
It's best to use cooked chicken for this recipe, as the casserole needs to heat through quickly. If you prefer to use raw chicken, cook it separately first, then chop and add it to the mixture before baking.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Additionally, substitute the cream of celery soup with a plant-based cream soup and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix all the ingredients and place them in a casserole dish, then cover and freeze it. When you're ready to cook, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep.
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).