June'S Chicken Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy soup, and crispy bread topping, perfect for family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken breasts in water without salt until cooked through.
- Cool the chicken, then debone and set aside.
- Boil carrots, celery sticks, and onion until soft.
- Drain the cooked vegetables and set aside.
- Beat the egg in a bowl.
- Mix the beaten egg with the drained carrots, celery, and onion.
- Melt the butter in a pan.
- Cube the slices of bread and add to the melted butter, tossing to coat.
- Mix all ingredients except the chicken in a large bowl.
- Prepare broth by combining 1 cup of water from boiling the chicken with the cream of chicken soup.
- If necessary, add the juice from boiling carrots to make up 1 cup of broth.
- Add the cooked, deboned chicken to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with slices of cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken with herbs or spices before boiling. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce for a fresher taste. If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own, which will save cooking time. Alternatively, try using whole grain bread for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting twist, consider serving with a side of Squash Or Pumpkin Soup as a starter.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it’s warmed evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of June'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 871 calories, with 21g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (186% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1587mg per serving (69% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before boiling. This ensures even cooking and proper texture. Alternatively, you may cook it directly from frozen, but adjust the boiling time accordingly to ensure it's fully cooked through.
What can I use instead of bread for a gluten-free option?
For a gluten-free alternative, you can use gluten-free bread or even cooked quinoa as a base. The quinoa will absorb the flavors well and provide a nice texture. Another option is to use gluten-free crackers, crushed and mixed with butter for a crunchy topping.
How do I make this casserole creamier?
To make the casserole creamier, add an extra half cup of cream or sour cream to the mixture before baking. You can also incorporate some shredded cheese into the mixture for a gooey texture. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as it may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
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).