Chicken Sparta
Creamy chicken and mushroom casserole layered with bread and cheese, baked to perfection. Rich, comforting flavors ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 9 slices bread
- 4 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts sliced ⓘ
- 9 slices sharp process cheese ⓘ
- 4 large eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups whole milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- buttered bread crumbs (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Saute sliced mushrooms in butter for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove crusts from bread and line a shallow 9 x 13-inch buttered pan with bread slices.
- Top with cooked, diced chicken, adding sliced water chestnuts and optional olive slices.
- Place slices of sharp process cheese over the chicken layer.
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk and salt; pour over the cheese layer.
- Spread the cream of mushroom soup and cream of celery soup evenly over the top.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Next morning, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top and bake an additional 15 minutes or until nicely browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding minced garlic or diced onions while sautéing the mushrooms. If you're short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the cooked chicken. For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and milk. You can also experiment with different types of bread, like sourdough or whole grain, to give the dish a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Sparta casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a comforting side, consider mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes, which complement the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Sparta contains roughly 1161 calories, with 15g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1121mg per serving (49% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Sparta a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier. Just remember to cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can substitute it with homemade mushroom sauce or even use a can of cream of chicken soup. For a lighter option, a mixture of sour cream and milk can also work well to achieve a creamy texture.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or peas. They can be mixed in with the chicken layer or layered on top for added nutrition and color, making this Chicken Sparta even more flavorful.
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).