Chicken Strataserves 140 People!
A hearty chicken casserole layered with bread, vegetables, and creamy mushroom soup, perfect for feeding a large crowd with comfort and rich flavors. Ideal for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove 42 slices of bread, butter them, and cut into 1/2 inch cubes. Set aside for the top.
- Slice the remaining bread into 1 inch cubes.
- Divide the bread cubes and cover the bottoms of 2 large pans. Spread cooked chicken over the bread cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then add milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the pans.
- In the same bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped onions, and chopped green peppers.
- Spread this mixture evenly into the pans over the chicken and bread.
- Spoon mushroom soup over the layered mixture in the pans.
- Top with the bread cubes set aside earlier.
- Cover and bake slowly in a medium oven for 2 hours.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance, kept refrigerated, and baked later.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or opting for a flavored variety. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an excellent substitute for cooked chicken. You can also swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup if preferred. For a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the onion and pepper mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken strata hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside some crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to keep the moisture in.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Strataserves 140 People! contains roughly 6281 calories, with 109g protein, 1122g carbohydrates, and 163g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (1006% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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, this chicken strata can be prepared a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day for an easy and convenient meal option.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soups. This will still provide a creamy texture and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure the mayonnaise is egg-free to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
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).