Eleanor Hess' Chicken Casserole
Creamy chicken casserole with mushrooms, water chestnuts, and a savory stuffing topping, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken breasts until tender and save the broth.
- Place chunks of cooked chicken in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle mushrooms and sliced water chestnuts over the chicken.
- Combine cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and sour cream, then pour over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle Pepperidge Farm stuffing over the top of the casserole.
- Mix the chicken broth and melted margarine, then drizzle over the casserole.
- Cover and bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake a few more minutes until the top is browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more sour cream or using a flavored cream soup. If you want to reduce calories, you can substitute low-fat margarine and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. For added flavor, try incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary. Also, if you prefer a crunchier topping, bake the casserole uncovered for longer or add crushed crackers on top.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside garlic bread or a side of mashed potatoes. For a twist, try serving it with a dollop of cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast, just like in many American recipes that feature chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil to prevent drying out and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to add a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eleanor Hess' Chicken Casserole contains roughly 421 calories, with 15g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1060mg per serving (46% 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 chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version or even shredded chicken from leftovers. Boneless, skinless thighs are also a great substitute and will add more flavor. Just ensure any chicken used is fully cooked before layering.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it well. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I substitute for the Pepperidge Farm stuffing?
If you don’t have Pepperidge Farm stuffing, you can use any brand of stuffing mix or make your own from stale bread, herbs, and butter. Just ensure you season it well to match the flavors of the casserole.
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).