Jean'S Nine-Layer Casserole
Jean's Nine-Layer Casserole is a hearty, cheesy dish layered with chicken, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and bread, topped with melted cheeses and crunchy crumbs. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
- 6 slices white bread ⓘ
- 4 cups cooked chicken or turkey, cut into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 6 oz. sliced Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 4 oz. sliced American cheese
- 3 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Line the prepared baking dish with slices of white bread.
- Sprinkle cooked chicken evenly over the bread layer.
- In a saucepan, sauté sliced mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter until tender.
- Using a slotted spoon, spoon the sautéed mushrooms over the chicken layer.
- Combine drained and chopped water chestnuts with mayonnaise or salad dressing and spread over the mushrooms.
- Top with slices of Monterey Jack cheese and American cheese.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and mix with milk; pour this mixture over the cheese layers.
- Cover the casserole and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Combine melted butter and bread crumbs to make the topping.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the casserole and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole grain bread or substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. If you prefer different vegetables, try adding spinach or bell peppers. To enhance flavor, season the chicken with herbs like thyme or rosemary before layering. Make sure to let the casserole chill thoroughly; this helps the flavors meld beautifully, making it a perfect choice for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jean's Nine-Layer Casserole with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken In Sour Cream for a comforting dinner spread. Consider adding a side of crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce left on the plate. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from browning too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jean'S Nine-Layer Casserole contains roughly 676 calories, with 12g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1238mg per serving (54% 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 different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to suit your taste. Just keep in mind that the cheese should melt well and complement the flavors of the chicken and mushrooms.
How do I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with cooked lentils or a medley of your favorite vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. You can also use vegetable broth instead of the soup for added flavor without meat.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
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).