Hungry-Man Casserole
Hungry-Man Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish loaded with tender chicken, creamy mushroom and celery soups, melted Cheddar cheese, and flavorful noodles. Perfect for family dinners or satisfying leftovers, it combines savory flavors with a creamy texture that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing pan, combine cooked diced chicken, cooked broad noodles, milk, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, chopped onion, grated Cheddar cheese, salt, and sliced mushrooms.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onion until translucent before mixing it in. You can substitute the broad noodles with egg noodles or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. If you like a bit of crunch, top the casserole with crushed crackers or fried onions before baking. This dish can also be customized with leftover vegetables for a more nutritious meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hungry-Man Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Everyday Broccoli Cheese Chicken for a comforting dinner spread. For a heartier meal, consider serving with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hungry-Man Casserole contains roughly 676 calories, with 22g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (72% of the Daily Value), calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1700mg per serving (74% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it in with the other ingredients. It will still have the same delicious outcome!
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of milk. Just ensure to use vegetarian cream soups for a fully meat-free dish while maintaining the creamy texture.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze it. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).