Joann'S Chicken Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole with creamy mushroom, celery, and pimento flavors, topped with cheese and almonds, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked boneless chicken breast ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 10-ounce can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds ⓘ
- 1 20-ounce jar diced pimento ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except cheese and paprika.
- Place the mixture in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, add shredded cheddar cheese and paprika on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a homemade cream of mushroom soup instead of canned. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter option. If you want additional flavor, try adding garlic powder or using rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast. To add a crunch, you can replace the toasted almonds with walnuts or pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Joann's Chicken Casserole warm, garnished with extra paprika for color. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving with garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce or alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner. For a festive touch, serve with Cornish Game Hens With Rice Stuffing(For Two).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers 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 until heated through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joann'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 473 calories, with 18g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (80% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1211mg per serving (53% 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 freeze Joann's Chicken Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking or after it has cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
What type of chicken can I use for this recipe?
You can use any cooked chicken for this casserole, including rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken. Just make sure it is boneless and shredded or diced for even mixing.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.
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).