Delicious Chicken Casserole
A hearty and flavorful chicken casserole featuring tender cooked chicken, wild rice, green beans, and a creamy celery soup base, topped with paprika and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a comforting blend of savory flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of celery soup, minced onion, pimento, mayonnaise, sliced water chestnuts, drained green beans, paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 3-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle additional paprika and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and heated through, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Freezes well; when frozen, remove from freezer 4 hours before reheating.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you prefer a lighter dish, swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. Experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition. Pairs well with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken casserole is delicious on its own but pairs nicely with crusty bread or a green salad for a more complete meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner. For a unique dessert to follow, try the Fudge Cake With Chocolate Icing, which complements the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for quick reheating, ensuring they heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delicious Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1413 calories, with 28g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1153mg per serving (50% 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 prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the cover and allow a few extra minutes of cooking time, as it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Be sure to cook the brown rice beforehand according to package instructions before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure everything is cooked evenly.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This chicken casserole freezes well. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, remove it from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
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).