Chow Mein Chicken Casserole
A savory chicken chow mein casserole with mushrooms, red peppers, and green onions, topped with crispy chow mein noodles—perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 small red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) pkg. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 3 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 (5 oz.) can chow mein noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped red bell pepper, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms; sauté until tender.
- Stir in chopped green onions, cream of mushroom soup, salad dressing, soy sauce, black pepper, and chopped cooked chicken; mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 7 x 11-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle chow mein noodles evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, substitute the salad dressing with Greek yogurt or low-fat mayonnaise. You can also add more vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of cream of mushroom soup. This dish is also great for using up leftover chicken from recipes like Heart Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chow Mein Chicken Casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, such as Shan Tung Salad, for a balanced meal. It pairs well with rice or quinoa if you want to add more carbs. For a crisp texture, consider serving with extra chow mein noodles on the side.
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 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chow Mein Chicken Casserole contains roughly 911 calories, with 14g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2917mg per serving (127% 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 different types of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey or even pork. Just ensure the meat is cooked before mixing it in. For a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh can work well, providing a protein-rich alternative.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Chow Mein Chicken Casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free chow mein noodles and check that your soy sauce is gluten-free. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version or make your own using a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).