Chicken With Pecans
A comforting chicken casserole with creamy sauce, buttery toast, and crunchy pecans that blends savory, tangy, and buttery notes—perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Poach chicken breasts until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the poaching liquid and place in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the canned soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, sautéed onions, and sautéed celery; mix until smooth.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Top with pieces of buttered toast and sprinkle pecans over the surface.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños to the creamy mixture. Utilize leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Ensure the chicken is poached gently to keep it moist. You can also swap out the pecans for walnuts or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with buttered rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a comforting option, consider serving it with a side of classic American recipes like cornbread or biscuits.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat to prevent drying out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Pecans contains roughly 1124 calories, with 33g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 825mg per serving (36% 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
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed.
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).