Holiday Chicken For A Crowd
A hearty and creamy chicken casserole perfect for large gatherings, featuring tender chicken, savory mushroom soup, and a touch of white wine for added depth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chicken pieces in butter.
- Place the browned chicken into a deep casserole dish.
- Brown the sliced mushrooms in butter.
- Mix the three cans of cream of mushroom soup thoroughly without diluting.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the casserole.
- Spread the browned mushrooms on top of the casserole.
- Refrigerate the casserole overnight if desired to enhance flavor.
- Before baking, pour the dry white wine or sherry over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before browning. If you're short on time, you can substitute the fresh mushrooms with canned mushrooms. Using a mix of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups enhances the dish's richness. For a lighter version, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a festive touch, serve alongside roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes. It can also be enjoyed with rice or noodles, making it a versatile option for gatherings or holiday meals.
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) covered with foil until heated through, about 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Chicken For A Crowd contains roughly 90 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
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 prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to add the wine or sherry before baking on the day you plan to serve it.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can use an equal amount of homemade white sauce or a mix of cream of mushroom and cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken can be used for quicker cooking. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked through, typically reducing it to about 1 hour.
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).