Forgotten Chicken Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole with creamy soups and tender rice, baked slowly to develop rich flavors. Perfect for family dinners and those craving hearty, homestyle comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a dish and add the three cans of soup (cream of celery, chicken, and mushroom).
- Stir in hot water.
- Add rice and mix well.
- Lay seasoned chicken on top of the mixture.
- Bake at 275°F for 3 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using seasoned rice or adding garlic powder and onion powder to the rice mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw. For a creamier texture, swap one of the soups with sour cream or Greek yogurt. This dish can easily be adapted to include vegetables like peas or carrots, which can enhance its nutritional value.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside roasted potatoes or a side of mashed potatoes. You can also browse more American recipes for additional side ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Forgotten Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Forgotten Chicken Casserole contains roughly 892 calories, with 10g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2800mg per serving (122% 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 brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the liquid slightly and adjust the baking time, as brown rice typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to cook fully.
What type of chicken should I use for this casserole?
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. They cook evenly and remain tender. If you prefer, you can also use leftover rotisserie chicken, adding it during the last hour of baking to heat through without drying out.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you're ready to bake, just add an extra 30-45 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
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).