Chipper Chicken Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender chicken, rice, vegetables, and crunchy chow mein noodles, perfect for comforting family dinners with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 broiler-fryer chicken, cooked, boned and diced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water or broth ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 hard-cooked eggs, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cups chow mein noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except chow mein noodles in a large mixing bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with chow mein noodles.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider adding a splash of sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you don’t have chow mein noodles, try substituting with crushed potato chips for a different crunch. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge before baking for a quick weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For added flavor, serve it with a side of garlic bread or a light vinaigrette. You can also complement it with a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. It's a great option for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chipper Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You may cover it with foil to prevent the noodles from browning too much during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chipper Chicken Casserole contains roughly 337 calories, with 6g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1767mg per serving (77% 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?
Using raw chicken is not recommended for this recipe since it requires cooking before assembling the casserole. However, you can poach or bake the chicken beforehand for a moist result. Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Can I make this casserole without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a healthier option. This will give you a similar creamy texture while reducing fat content. Alternatively, you could use a homemade white sauce for a different flavor profile.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Chipper Chicken Casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure your chow mein noodles are certified gluten-free or substitute them with gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles. Always check labels to be sure.
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).