Jackie'S Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole with flavorful herbs, creamy celery soup, and tender chicken pieces, perfect for cozy family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chicken, then cool and remove meat from bones.
- Use the liquid from boiling the chicken as chicken broth.
- Preheat the oven and prepare a 2-quart (or larger) casserole dish.
- Mix the cooked chicken meat with chopped onion, celery soup, evaporated milk, and chicken broth.
- Add the Pepperidge Farm herb dressing mix and melted margarine to the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish.
- Bake until bubbly and heated through, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you don't have evaporated milk, regular milk or a non-dairy milk can work as a substitute, but it may slightly alter the creaminess. For added texture, try incorporating some frozen mixed vegetables or even a can of diced tomatoes. This dish can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking for an easier weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside warm, crusty bread or rolls. To elevate your serving experience, consider a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top just before serving, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored 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 until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick servings, ensuring it's heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jackie'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1024 calories, with 13g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1784mg per serving (78% 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 a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the casserole. Simply shred the meat and mix it with the other ingredients as directed. This will significantly cut down on your prep time while still delivering a delicious dish.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Look for gluten-free herb dressing mixes and check that your canned soups and chicken broth are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same comforting flavors without any gluten concerns.
Can I freeze Jackie’s Chicken Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Prepare the dish as directed, but do not bake it. Instead, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, simply add an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time, ensuring it is heated through and bubbly.
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).