Fix Ahead Chicken Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole with tender chicken, carrots, lima beans, and savory seasonings, perfect for a hearty family meal or make-ahead dinner option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chicken parts in shortening.
- Place the browned chicken in a 2-quart casserole dish and discard the drippings.
- In a bowl, stir together condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, poultry seasoning, and pepper; heat the mixture.
- Add quartered carrots and small onions to the soup mixture.
- Pour the soup mixture with vegetables over the chicken in the casserole.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Add frozen lima beans and cook until separated, stirring often.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate immediately until 1 hour and 15 minutes before serving.
- Bake, covered, in a 375°F oven for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- If not refrigerated, decrease the baking time by 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice and herbs before browning. You can substitute the lima beans with green beans or peas if preferred. If you want a creamier casserole, add a dollop of sour cream to the soup mixture. For a quicker prep, use rotisserie chicken and skip the browning step.
Serving Suggestions
This Fix Ahead Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Serve it alongside crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting side, consider mashed potatoes or a simple coleslaw, which complements the casserole's flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fix Ahead Chicken Casserole contains roughly 705 calories, with 8g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (136% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2329mg per serving (101% 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 boneless chicken for this casserole?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used for convenience. However, keep in mind that bone-in chicken often provides more flavor and moisture. If using boneless, reduce browning time as it cooks faster, ensuring it remains juicy.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If baked, let it cool completely before freezing, and reheat directly from frozen, adding extra time to the baking.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple cream sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. For a lighter version, a mixture of Greek yogurt and chicken broth can serve as a substitute, adding a slight tang while maintaining creaminess.
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).