Crumbled Chicken Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy mushroom flavors, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with a flavorful, satisfying profile.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. cornbread stuffing mix ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 stick margarine, melted ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms and juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups diced celery ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Blend melted margarine and cornbread stuffing mix together.
- Line a greased 5 x 9-inch dish with half of the crumb mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine chicken stock, cream of mushroom soup, chopped onions, mayonnaise, mushrooms with juice, diced cooked chicken, diced celery, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the crumb layer in the dish.
- Top with the remaining half of the crumb mixture.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream to the filling. If you prefer a crunchier topping, you can mix in some crushed crackers or fried onions with the crumb mixture. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Serving Suggestions
This Crumbled Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or rice. You can also serve it with your favorite bread, like garlic bread, for a comforting dinner. Consider enjoying it with a glass of white wine for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in individual portions, but be cautious not to overcook to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crumbled Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1052 calories, with 9g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (105% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (59% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1658mg per serving (72% 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 a different type of soup in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the consistency remains similar for the best results in the casserole.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you're baking it straight from the fridge.
What can I add to the filling for extra flavor?
Consider adding garlic, herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the filling for an added depth of flavor. Vegetables like peas or bell peppers can also enhance the dish and provide extra nutrition.
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).