Chicken Or Crab Casserole
A creamy casserole combining tender chicken or crab with mushrooms, artichokes, and cheesy flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook artichoke hearts or use canned artichokes and set aside.
- In a small bowl, blend flour, milk, chicken stock, salt, and pepper.
- Melt butter in a skillet and sauté sliced onion and mushrooms until tender.
- Pour in the prepared milk mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in dry sherry and half of the shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Place the cooked artichokes in the bottom of a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Add cooked chicken or crab on top of the artichokes.
- Pour the mushroom and cheese sauce over the ingredients.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and paprika on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. You can substitute the mushrooms with other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a different twist. If you prefer a lighter option, use low-fat cheese and milk. For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside Crowd Pleasing Potatoes. A light white wine can complement the dish nicely, enhancing the flavors of the chicken and artichokes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Or Crab Casserole contains roughly 569 calories, with 25g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (233% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value), and iron (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1671mg per serving (73% 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 frozen artichoke hearts instead of canned?
Yes, frozen artichoke hearts can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole. This will help prevent excess moisture from affecting the final dish.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, adjust the cooking time by a few minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
You can substitute Cheddar cheese with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Both options will melt well and add a creamy texture to the casserole, making it a delightful alternative.
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).