Hot Chicken Casserole
Hot Chicken Casserole combines tender chopped chicken with a creamy celery and mushroom soup base, seasoned with mustard and lemon pepper. Topped with melted cheese, it's a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering warm flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice in broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the cooked chicken and cream of celery soup in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the finely chopped celery, cooked rice, mayonnaise, dry mustard, lemon pepper, onion, and lemon juice to the mixture.
- Mix everything well until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9x13 inch casserole dish and cover with foil.
- Bake at 325°F for 30 minutes, uncovered.
- Sprinkle the casserole with cheese and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding sautéed onions and garlic or spices like paprika. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. If you prefer a crunch, top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking. You can also swap cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom if desired. This recipe is similar to Creamy Crunchy Chicken 'N' Rice Bake, which offers a different flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the creamy sauce. For a comforting twist, try it with mashed potatoes. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes like Poppy Chicken Casserole, making it a family favorite.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Chicken Casserole contains roughly 381 calories, with 11g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg per serving (41% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this casserole and saves time. Just make sure to shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the mixture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use a plant-based chicken substitute and ensure the cream of celery soup is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it, covered with foil. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights!
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).