Emma Hawkins' Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy soups, and noodles, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy to prepare in the oven or microwave.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the fryer chicken until cooked, then debone and cut into chunks.
- Reserve the broth from boiling the chicken.
- Cook the noodles in the reserved broth for 4 to 6 minutes.
- Chop and sauté the celery and carrot.
- Heat together all the soups in a saucepan.
- Mix all ingredients together including chicken, noodles, vegetables, and soups.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes or microwave on High for 4 to 8 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken with herbs like thyme or rosemary while boiling. You can substitute the noodles with rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used instead of boiling your own. This dish can also be made ahead and frozen for later use.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the creamy sauce. For a twist, try adding toppings such as shredded cheese or crispy fried onions before baking for extra flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 2 to 4 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. If using the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it’s heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Emma Hawkins' Chicken Casserole contains roughly 757 calories, with 13g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and potassium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1181mg per serving (51% 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 vegetables in this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just be sure to sauté them until tender before mixing them into the casserole to ensure they cook through and blend well with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble all the ingredients, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make this dish in a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and is a great option for busy days.
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).