Luncheon Casserole
A comforting casserole combining tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and toasted almonds, topped with crispy cornflakes. Perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 2-quart casserole dish, mix cooked chicken or turkey, cream of chicken soup, Miracle Whip, cooked celery, cooked rice, grated onion, lemon juice, water chestnuts, and salt.
- Spread slivered almonds evenly on top of the mixture.
- Then spread crushed buttered cornflakes over the almonds.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until heated through and topping is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding sour cream or Greek yogurt in place of some of the Miracle Whip. You can substitute cooked quinoa or couscous for rice for a different grain option. If you prefer a crunchier topping, toast the almonds and cornflakes lightly before baking. This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey from previous meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some crusty bread to soak up the flavors. This dish is also wonderful for potlucks or family gatherings.
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 (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the topping may not stay as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Luncheon Casserole contains roughly 470 calories, with 14g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1315mg per serving (57% 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 a different type of soup instead of cream of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste of the dish. Feel free to experiment with different cream soups based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed. This makes it a convenient option for busy days.
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).