Chinese Dressing
A hearty Chinese-inspired casserole combining tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and savory mushrooms, baked with a flavorful rice base—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook Rice a Roni as directed on the box, using chicken broth instead of water.
- Melt 1/2 stick of margarine in a skillet and add chopped bell peppers, chopped onions, diced celery, sage, and sliced mushrooms.
- Cook the vegetable mixture until tender.
- Remove from heat and add the cooked vegetables and mushrooms to the prepared Rice a Roni.
- Add the deboned, cooked chicken to the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Melt the remaining margarine and drizzle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the margarine with olive oil. You can also swap out the bell pepper for diced carrots or snap peas for a different flavor profile. If you prefer, use leftover roasted chicken instead of boiled for added depth. Adding a splash of soy sauce can enhance the overall taste, tying it into your favorite Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside steamed broccoli or bok choy. It also complements other chicken recipes like Chinese Chicken With Cashews, making it perfect for a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Dressing contains roughly 688 calories, with 4g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (52% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 776mg per serving (34% 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. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you prefer, you can use unsalted butter or coconut oil as a substitute for margarine in this recipe. Both options will provide a rich flavor. For a dairy-free version, opt for a plant-based butter alternative.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).