Corky Troutt'S Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, savory mushroom and water chestnuts, enriched with rice and vegetables for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the whole boiling chicken and remove the meat from the bones, or use canned chicken meat.
- Chop the onions, celery, and mushrooms.
- In a large casserole, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, celery, and mushrooms; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soups and cooked rice.
- Add the sliced water chestnuts and shredded chicken to the mixture.
- Mix well and season to taste if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own. You can substitute the mixed rice with just brown rice or quinoa for a different texture. If you want to add more veggies, try incorporating peas or carrots. Adjust the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a twist. This dish is similar to other comforting options like Chicken Stew Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables. This dish is a great addition to family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you're short on time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Corky Troutt'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 731 calories, with 4g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (52% 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 rice in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the mixed brown and wild rice with any variety you prefer, such as white rice or jasmine rice. Just ensure to adjust the cooking times according to the rice type, as some might require different preparation methods.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as alternatives. For a healthier version, consider making a homemade white sauce and adding sautéed mushrooms to achieve a similar flavor and consistency.
Can I freeze the chicken casserole?
Yes, this chicken casserole freezes well. To freeze, cool it completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through, or bake from frozen, adding extra time.
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).