Chicken-Shrimp Casserole
A hearty chicken and shrimp casserole layered with artichokes and mushrooms in a creamy, cheesy sauce, blending savory flavors ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 whole chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 lb cooked shrimp ⓘ
- 2 (13 oz) cans artichoke hearts, drained ⓘ
- 7 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 4 cups milk, heated ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine or dry sherry ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil, bone, and halve the chicken breasts, then place them in a greased large glass baking dish.
- Top the chicken with cooked shrimp and drained artichoke hearts.
- Saute chopped onions and sliced mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter until tender.
- Spread the sautéed onions and mushrooms over the chicken, shrimp, and artichokes.
- Melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, then add flour and whisk to combine.
- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then slowly add heated milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and white wine or sherry.
- Pour the sauce over the layered mixture in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Romano cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or fresh herbs like thyme or basil. If you don't have white wine, chicken broth can be a great substitute. You can also use frozen shrimp; just ensure they're thawed before adding them to the casserole. For a lighter dish, reduce the butter or replace with olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad like Texas Pan Handle Cabbage Salad for a refreshing crunch. A simple green salad or garlic bread also complements the dish well. For a complete meal, consider serving it with rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent drying out. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Shrimp Casserole contains roughly 429 calories, with 21g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1264mg per serving (55% 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 different types of seafood in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with other seafood like crab or scallops. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different seafood types have varying cook times. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your taste.
Is there a way to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I do if I don’t have artichoke hearts?
If artichoke hearts are unavailable, you can use other vegetables like chopped spinach or asparagus for a similar texture and flavor. Just ensure they are cooked or tender before layering, as they will enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
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).