L.B.'S Chicken Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy soups, and crunchy cracker topping, perfect for family dinners or freezing for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and debone the chicken breasts.
- Crush the Escort crackers and mix with melted margarine.
- Place three-quarters of the cracker mixture in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top of the cracker layer.
- Mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of onion, mushroom, or celery soup, and sour cream.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the remaining cracker mixture over the top.
- Bake at 325°F for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese to the soup mixture. If you don't have Escort crackers, you can substitute them with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for a similar crunch. Additionally, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Adjust the seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You could also try it alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. This dish is perfect for family gatherings and is a favorite among American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm at 325°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, you can use a microwave, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of L.B.'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 953 calories, with 16g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2102mg per serving (91% 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 rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and still provide great flavor. Just shred the chicken and layer it in the casserole as directed. This makes for a quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for the cream of onion soup?
If you can't find cream of onion soup, you can use cream of mushroom or even a homemade white sauce with sautéed onions. This will maintain the creaminess of the dish while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
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).