Garden Chicken Casserole
A hearty and creamy chicken casserole featuring rice, vegetables, cheeses, and almonds, perfect for family dinners and gathering friends with its rich flavors and comforting texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sherry ⓘ
- 1 package (6 oz) long grain and wild rice mix ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 2 small carrots ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 can (4 oz) sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded American cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and 1/3 cup sherry to a boil.
- Add the contents of the rice package, cover, and simmer over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a Dutch oven, sauté chopped onion, grated carrots, and chopped green pepper in butter until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add cooked rice, diced chicken, and sliced mushrooms, mixing well.
- In a saucepan, melt cream cheese, shredded American cheese, and evaporated milk over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
- Add the remaining sherry to the cheese mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the cheese and sherry mixture into the Dutch oven with the rice and chicken mixture, stirring well.
- Transfer everything to a buttered 13 x 9 x 2 inch casserole dish.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and sliced almonds.
- Cover and bake for 35 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with sliced carrots and chopped green onions if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, swap the cream cheese with Greek yogurt and use low-fat cheese. You can also substitute the sherry with white grape juice or omit it altogether. Feel free to add frozen peas or other vegetables for extra nutrition. For a quick prep, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. This dish can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Garden Chicken Casserole is hearty and pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, such as a Lemon Pepper Chicken Salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. This casserole also reheats well in the microwave, though the texture may vary slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Chicken Casserole contains roughly 676 calories, with 20g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (199% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 976mg per serving (42% 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 a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the American cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor. Just ensure it melts well for a creamy texture. Experimenting with different cheese combinations can also enhance the dish's richness.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, replace the chicken with cooked lentils, chickpeas, or a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure that the cream cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, remove the foil and follow the baking instructions. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or serving guests.
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).