Chicken Olivia
Chicken Olivia is a comforting casserole combining tender cooked chicken, rice, crunchy almonds, and water chestnuts, all coated in a creamy mayonnaise and lemon dressing. Topped with crispy corn flakes, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cut in large pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped onion
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1 stick butter or oleo ⓘ
- 1 cup crushed corn flakes ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 can water chestnuts, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except oleo, corn flakes, and almonds in a large casserole dish.
- In a frying pan, fry the corn flakes and sliced almonds in melted oleo for a few minutes until lightly toasted.
- Spread the toasted corn flakes and almonds over the casserole.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of chicken broth to the mixture. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version. If you prefer a crunchier topping, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of corn flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the flavor profile. This recipe is versatile, similar to other American recipes, so feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Olivia is delicious served alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Penny's Baked Chicken for a hearty dinner spread. For a complete experience, consider serving it with a light vinaigrette or a tangy cranberry sauce to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, warming at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Olivia contains roughly 1410 calories, with 12g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 111g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1666mg per serving (72% 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 way to save time and add flavor. Just ensure that the chicken is diced into large pieces as specified in the recipe. It will blend perfectly with the other ingredients and keep the dish moist.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, top with the toasted corn flakes and almonds and bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use a homemade cream sauce or a can of cream of mushroom soup as a substitute. Alternatively, blending cooked chicken broth with a bit of flour and milk can provide a similar creamy consistency. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your taste.
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).