Herb Chicken Casserole
A hearty baked chicken casserole with creamy mushroom and chicken soups, crunchy chow mein noodles, seasoned stuffing, and savory celery, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix cut-up baked or broiled chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chow mein noodles, and evaporated milk.
- Saute chopped celery and onion in margarine until soft.
- Combine sautéed celery and onion with seasoned stuffing mix.
- Spread the stuffing mixture over the chicken mixture in a greased 13 x 9-inch pan or in two smaller casserole dishes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the chicken mixture. You can substitute chow mein noodles with egg noodles or crushed potato chips for a different crunch. If you want to add more flavor, try incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary. This dish can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking for a convenient meal later.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. You can also serve it with warm bread or rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. Consider a side of roasted carrots or a light coleslaw to add freshness to your plate.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover herb chicken casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Chicken Casserole contains roughly 708 calories, with 5g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 579mg per serving (25% 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 leftover chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before mixing. This is a perfect way to use up leftover chicken from meals like Busy Day Chicken.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for a day or two. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cream of celery soup or even make a homemade version using a base of sautéed mushrooms, flour, and milk. This flexibility keeps the casserole creamy and flavorful.
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).