Chicken Or Turkey Strata
A comforting baked casserole combining tender chicken or turkey with hearty vegetables and a creamy mushroom sauce, layered with bread and tortillas for added texture. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish offers savory flavors and a satisfying, cheesy bite that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 8 slices whole wheat bread ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked and cubed turkey or chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2/3 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies ⓘ
- 1/2 cup nonfat mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 corn tortillas
- 3 Egg Beaters (or equivalent to 3 eggs)
- 1 3/4 cups low-fat milk ⓘ
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
Instructions
- Place bread cubes in a 12 x 18-inch nonstick pan.
- Combine chicken, onion, celery, diced green chilies, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and spoon over the bread.
- Tear tortillas into bite-sized pieces and place on top of the mixture.
- Combine eggs, low-fat milk, cottage cheese, and cream of mushroom soup in a small bowl and pour over the casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to blend.
- Preheat oven to 325°F and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the dish is firm and set.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using leftover rotisserie chicken or swapping the turkey for cooked ham. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding jalapeños along with the green chilies. You can also substitute regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. For extra flavor, season with herbs like thyme or oregano. This dish can be prepared ahead and is similar to a Breakfast Stratta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty strata with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For brunch, pair it with a light fruit salad or some sliced avocados. A dollop of salsa on top can add a fresh flavor boost. This dish is versatile and can also be enjoyed as a comforting dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the strata with foil to prevent drying out, heating for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Or Turkey Strata contains roughly 292 calories, with 20g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value) and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1162mg per serving (51% 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 make this strata ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the strata the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just bake it the next day as instructed. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings or a busy weeknight dinner!
Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! While whole wheat bread is a great choice, you can also use sourdough, rye, or even gluten-free bread if needed. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the moist ingredients.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can make a homemade version using a roux and adding sautéed mushrooms, vegetable broth, and a splash of milk. Alternatively, a can of cream of chicken soup works well too for a different flavor profile.
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).