Frances' Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole with creamy soups, tender vermicelli, and melted Cheddar cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy to prepare ahead.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook vermicelli according to package directions, substituting chicken broth for water.
- Saute onions and green pepper in butter until softened.
- Mix the cooked vermicelli, chopped chicken, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, cream of celery, and cream of Cheddar soups together in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish or divide among smaller dishes.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the soup mixture. If you want to add some greens, try incorporating frozen peas or spinach into the casserole. You can also substitute the vermicelli with egg noodles or rice for a different base. Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, serve it alongside Corn Bread Stuffing for a heartier dinner option. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, making it a versatile choice in your collection of chicken recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frances' Chicken Casserole contains roughly 485 calories, with 12g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (25% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 535mg per serving (23% 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
Is it possible to make this dish healthier?
Certainly! You can use low-fat versions of the cream soups, as well as whole grain vermicelli. Adding more vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, can increase the nutritional value. You could also reduce the amount of cheese on top to lighten it up a bit.
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).