Kay'S Casserole
A comforting chicken and rice casserole with creamy mushroom and cheesy flavor, perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare with savory ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter, margarine or chicken fat ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) can chopped pimentos
- 3 c. chopped, cooked chicken ⓘ
- 3 c. cooked rice cooked in chicken broth ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onions and celery in butter until tender, but not brown.
- Stir in chopped pimentos, cooked chicken, and cooked rice.
- Blend chicken broth and condensed cream of mushroom soup together.
- Stir the soup mixture into the chicken and rice mixture.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme and rosemary when cooking the onions and celery. If you don't have pimentos, roasted red peppers make a great substitute. For a lighter dish, use brown rice instead of white rice. You can also swap the Cheddar for a blend of cheeses or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Kay's Casserole is fantastic served with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting family dinner, pair it with crusty bread or a side of garlic bread. It also pairs beautifully with Quickest Of Quick Hot Chicken Pot Pie for a satisfying chicken-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kay'S Casserole contains roughly 955 calories, with 28g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 roast chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken is perfect for this casserole. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and it will add great flavor and texture. This is a great way to use up leftovers and minimize food waste.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Kay's Casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I do if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can make a quick substitute by combining equal parts sour cream and milk with sautéed mushrooms. Alternatively, use a homemade white sauce with mushrooms to achieve a similar creamy consistency.
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).