Chicken Zesta Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 stick oleo
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 to 4 cups cooked chicken, diced ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 large can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimento, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms, chopped ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- sharp cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, sauté the chopped celery, bell pepper, and onion in oleo until tender.
- Place the sautéed vegetables and remaining ingredients into a large casserole dish.
- Top with grated sharp cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more evaporated milk or substituting with sour cream. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. If you prefer a little spice, throw in some diced jalapenos or swap the bell pepper for a spicier variety. For a gluten-free version, ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or make your own.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Zesta Casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with crusty bread for dipping. This dish is also an excellent option for potlucks or family gatherings, similar to Mary Lou'S Chicken Casserole, as it can easily feed a crowd and is a crowd-pleaser.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, heating for 1-2 minutes, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Zesta Casserole contains roughly 1140 calories, with 28g protein, 196g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (141% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and protein (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. 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 use other types of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey or even cooked sausage for a different flavor. Just ensure that the meat is cooked before adding it to the casserole. This allows for a variety of delicious options that can cater to your taste preferences.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or even meat substitutes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure the cream of chicken soup is replaced with a vegetarian alternative.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare this casserole a day in advance by assembling all the ingredients in the casserole dish, then covering it and refrigerating. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven; you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's chilled.
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).