Chicken Terrific
A creamy, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, wild rice, green beans, and cheese, topped with stuffing for a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and cubed chicken ⓘ
- 1 (6 1/2 oz.) package wild rice ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar pimento, drained
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup instant minced onion ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, sliced and drained ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can French-style green beans, drained
- 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 package herb seasoned stuffing mix ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the cooked and cubed chicken, cooked wild rice, drained pimento, mayonnaise, sour cream, instant minced onion, sliced water chestnuts, cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, drained green beans, and drained pimento in a large bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish.
- Top with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Mix the herb seasoned stuffing mix with 1/2 stick melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken. You can substitute the wild rice with quinoa or brown rice if desired. To reduce calories, opt for low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also mix in some chopped celery or bell peppers for extra crunch. This dish pairs nicely with a fresh green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Terrific casserole warm, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs well with a light salad or crusty bread. Consider serving it alongside a bowl of hearty soup, such as Chicken Vegetable Gumbo Soup, for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F 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 Terrific contains roughly 710 calories, with 14g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1544mg per serving (67% 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 the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using a roux and adding celery and broth. This will maintain the creamy texture and flavor profile of the dish.
Can I freeze Chicken Terrific?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish without baking it, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
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).