Clem'S Chicken
A creamy, cheesy casserole combining tender chicken, broccoli, and a flavorful sauce, topped with crunchy crackers—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the broccoli until tender.
- Place the cooked broccoli in the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Arrange the boiled chicken breasts on top of the broccoli, then cover with American cheese slices.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, and curry powder.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and broccoli in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle broken Ritz crackers evenly over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. If you prefer a different cheese, Swiss or cheddar can work well. To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own. Keep an eye on the casserole while baking to prevent over-browning; if it gets too dark, cover with foil.
Serving Suggestions
Clem's Chicken is delicious served with a side of Escalloped Potatoes Southern Style or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, pair it with crusty bread or a light pasta dish. A glass of white wine or iced tea complements the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clem'S Chicken contains roughly 236 calories, with 12g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 577mg per serving (25% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just steam it until tender before layering it in the casserole. Fresh broccoli will add a nice crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
Is there a gluten-free option for the Ritz crackers?
Absolutely! Look for gluten-free cracker options or use crushed gluten-free cereal as a substitute. This will maintain the crunchy topping while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold.
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).