First Place Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole with creamy mushroom soup, crunchy almonds, and flavorful rice, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering comforting and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and diced chicken ⓘ
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 small chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except bread crumbs and margarine, mixing well.
- Pour the mixture into a 3-quart oblong casserole, two 1 1/2-quart casseroles, or three 1-quart casseroles.
- Mix melted margarine with bread crumbs and sprinkle over the top of the casserole(s).
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and use brown rice instead of white. If you prefer a crunchier topping, mix in some crushed crackers with the bread crumbs. To save time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from another meal. This casserole can also be customized with different vegetables like peas or bell peppers, similar to Chicken Captain.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added flavor, serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls. It also makes an excellent dish for potlucks or family gatherings, perfect alongside other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be sure to cover to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of First Place Chicken Casserole contains roughly 845 calories, with 10g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1737mg per serving (76% 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 freeze the chicken casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking it. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using a roux with milk and mushrooms. This will help maintain the creamy texture of the casserole.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also top the casserole with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking for an extra kick.
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).