Easy Chicken Casserole(My Favorite)
A comforting chicken casserole with creamy mushroom, crunchy water chestnuts, toasted almonds, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, cut in bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimiento ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne ⓘ
- 2/3 cup shredded cheese ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except cheese and paprika until well blended.
- Place the mixture in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle with shredded cheese and paprika.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using sour cream instead of mayonnaise. If you prefer a crunchier topping, add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking. Feel free to swap the water chestnuts for chopped bell peppers or even substitute cooked quinoa for rice for a healthier twist. If you're not a fan of cayenne, you can omit it or replace it with smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Chicken Casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or garlic bread. You could also explore other delicious chicken recipes to complement the casserole, such as Supreme Chicken Salad for a lighter option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken Casserole(My Favorite) contains roughly 524 calories, with 23g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (97% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 695mg per serving (30% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it in as you would with cooked chicken breasts. It will save you prep time and enhance the taste of the dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and place them in the casserole dish, then cover and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth. This will keep the casserole creamy while providing a slightly different flavor, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
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).