Crispy Chicken Casserole
A hearty and crunchy chicken casserole combining tender cooked chicken, creamy mushroom soup, crisp celery, and toasted almonds, all topped with crunchy crushed cornflakes and butter. Perfect for a comforting family meal or potluck, offering savory flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked rice in chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated onion ⓘ
- 1 (3 1/2 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Mix cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, diced celery, cooked rice, lemon juice, grated onion, drained sliced mushrooms, and sliced almonds or water chestnuts in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle crushed cornflakes over the mixture.
- Diced butter evenly over the crushed cornflakes.
- Bake in the oven until hot and bubbly, approximately 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade version using fresh mushrooms and broth for a healthier touch. If you prefer, replace the chicken with turkey for a different flavor profile. This dish is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crispy chicken casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also goes well with crusty bread or rolls, making it a perfect main dish for family gatherings or potlucks. This dish is a comforting option that fits well in American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crispy Chicken Casserole contains roughly 822 calories, with 13g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (67% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 605mg per serving (26% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before mixing it with the other ingredients. This ensures even cooking and better flavor integration. If you have leftover chicken from other dishes, such as Beef Roast In Gravy or Sausage Meatball Soup, that works great too.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
You can use a homemade cream of mushroom soup by sautéing fresh mushrooms and combining them with cream and broth. Alternatively, a can of cream of chicken soup or a dairy-free version made from coconut milk and mushrooms can be used for a different twist.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the mixture. You might also consider adding hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick. Adjust according to your spice preference for the perfect balance!
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).