Essie'S Chicken Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole with creamy flavors, crunchy Ritz topping, and hearty rice, perfect for family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients, except crackers.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Spread crushed Ritz crackers on top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can use any variety of cooked chicken, including rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you don't have Minute rice, regular rice can work, but adjust the cooking time and add extra broth. Feel free to experiment with different soups or add vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious served with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Diane'S Chicken Spinach Salad for a refreshing contrast. For added flavor, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, for 1-2 minutes, checking for warmth throughout.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Essie'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1203 calories, with 9g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1550mg per serving (67% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add the crushed Ritz crackers on top, then bake as instructed.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as a substitute. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version by combining equal parts of heavy cream, vegetable broth, and sautéed celery for flavor.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. For a quick meal, check out Chicken Noodle Dish(To Freeze) for more ideas.
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).