Chinese Chicken Casserole
A comforting Chinese-inspired casserole combining tender chicken, creamy soups, and crunchy noodles, perfect for a quick family dinner. The rich flavors and savory profile make it a crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes that evoke classic Chinese flavors with a homestyle twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, chicken and rice soup, cooked celery, and evaporated milk.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Crush the Chinese chow mein noodles and spread them evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese to the mixture. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different flavor. If you're looking for a healthier option, replace the evaporated milk with unsweetened almond milk. This casserole can be customized with vegetables like peas or carrots, and pairs beautifully with Chicken Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but it pairs well with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for balance. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken And Cucumbers for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chinese Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1038 calories, with 11g protein, 219g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2789mg per serving (121% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
It's best to use cooked chicken for this recipe, as it ensures the casserole is ready in the recommended baking time. However, if you want to use raw chicken, you will need to adjust the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this Chinese Chicken Casserole can be frozen. Prepare the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
What can I use instead of chow mein noodles?
If you can't find chow mein noodles, you can substitute them with crispy fried onions or even crushed tortilla chips for a different texture. Alternatively, you can use regular pasta or rice for a base layer, but the traditional crunch from chow mein noodles adds a unique touch to this dish.
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).