Far East Chicken Casserole
A hearty Chinese-inspired casserole combining tender chicken, creamy mushroom soup, crunchy chow mein noodles, and cashews for a flavorful, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cooked and cut-up chicken in a buttered baking dish.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup, drained Chinese vegetables, chow mein noodles, and soy sauce; spread over the chicken.
- Top with cashews.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the soup mixture. You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. If you prefer more crunch, try adding fresh bean sprouts or sliced water chestnuts to the mixture. For a different flavor profile, swap the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole with steamed jasmine rice or a side salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with East-West Stir-Fry for a more diverse dinner spread. Consider garnishing with chopped green onions or additional cashews for extra flavor and texture. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Far East Chicken Casserole contains roughly 560 calories, with 23g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2141mg per serving (93% 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 frozen chicken in this recipe?
Using frozen chicken is not recommended for this casserole, as it needs to be cooked and cut up before combining with the other ingredients. Instead, thaw and cook the chicken first for the best results. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while preheating the oven, then bake as directed. If baking from chilled, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for chow mein noodles?
If you can't find chow mein noodles, you can use crispy fried onions or even crushed ramen noodles as a substitute. Both will add a nice crunch. Alternatively, you could use regular pasta, though it will change the dish's texture and flavor slightly.
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).