Lib'S Chicken
A comforting chicken casserole layered with tender chicken, rice, eggs, and a creamy mushroom soup, topped with crunchy cracker mixture and almonds for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cooked chicken, chopped boiled eggs, chopped celery, dried minced onion, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a large bowl.
- Mix all ingredients well until combined.
- In a saucepan, melt one stick of margarine; add cracker crumbs and sliced almonds, and stir until coated.
- Set aside the cracker mixture.
- Divide the chicken mixture evenly between two casserole dishes.
- Top each casserole with the cracker mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some grated cheese to the chicken mixture or using leftover rotisserie chicken. If you're short on time, you can substitute the boiled eggs with a cup of egg substitute. For a gluten-free option, replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning, as the cream soups can vary in saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside a light vinaigrette to complement the creaminess of the casserole. For a comforting side, garlic bread or a simple pasta dish like Chicken Etti can round out your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method will help maintain the crispiness of the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lib'S Chicken contains roughly 1395 calories, with 25g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2036mg per serving (89% 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 other types of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can easily substitute turkey or even cooked ham for the chicken in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if using larger pieces of meat. Ground meat can also work, but you might want to pre-cook it slightly.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with a medley of cooked vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, along with extra beans or lentils for protein. Use vegetable soup instead of cream soups for a fully vegetarian version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crunchy. If freezing, assemble the dish without the topping and bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
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).