Jo'S Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole featuring tender stewed chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying appetites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stew chicken with sliced onion until tender.
- Let cool, remove from bones, and cut into pieces.
- Cook dry noodles and spaghetti in chicken broth until tender.
- Make gravy by melting butter, then stirring in flour and broth to form a sauce.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, mushrooms, and pimentos to the gravy.
- Combine cooked noodles and chicken with the sauce.
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Cut cheese into slices and place on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour until bubbly and golden.
- Optional: add cooked rice and bread crumbs on top before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider using a mix of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup. If you prefer a lighter option, swap the butter for olive oil and use whole wheat noodles. For added flavor, sauté the onions until caramelized before adding them to the chicken. This dish can also be made ahead; just assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of garlic bread. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top before serving adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jo'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 417 calories, with 8g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
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 chicken instead of stewing a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken will save time. Just shred or chop the chicken and mix it into the dish along with the sauce. This will still yield a delicious casserole without the extra cooking time.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the gravy. Ensure that the cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For added flavor, consider mixing in some cooked vegetables like peas or spinach. You can also sprinkle in some garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Experimenting with herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the dish.
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).