*Chicken Strata
Chicken Strata is a hearty, layered casserole combining tender cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese, all baked with cubes of bread for a comforting meal. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 8 slices day-old bread ⓘ
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 2 slightly beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp process American cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Butter 2 slices of bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, and set aside.
- Cut the remaining bread into 1-inch cubes.
- Place half of the unbuttered bread cubes in the bottom of an 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Combine cooked diced chicken, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, chopped celery, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the chicken mixture over the bread cubes in the dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining unbuttered bread cubes over the chicken mixture.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix with milk.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the layered ingredients in the dish.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Spoon condensed cream of mushroom soup on top of the chilled casserole.
- Sprinkle shredded sharp process American cheese over the top.
- Bake in a slow 325°F oven for 50 minutes or until set.
- During the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle with additional shredded cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using leftover roast chicken instead of plain cooked chicken. You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, any cream soup will work well. Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor. For a spicier kick, incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce into the chicken mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken strata warm, garnished with fresh herbs. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For breakfast or brunch, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait. This dish can also be a great centerpiece for a potluck or family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken strata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of *Chicken Strata contains roughly 606 calories, with 13g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2074mg per serving (90% 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 add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just ensure that you sauté any raw vegetables beforehand to reduce moisture and enhance their flavors in the strata.
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).