Mary B'S Supreme Chicken Casserole
A creamy, savory chicken casserole with mushrooms, water chestnuts, and cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that enjoy comforting, hearty flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 to 3 1/2 lb. cooked fryer chicken, seasoned and diced ⓘ
- 3 celery ribs, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 lb. crackers, finely crushed ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 pint sour cream ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 small jar sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon onion powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Butter a 2-quart casserole with two tablespoons melted margarine or butter.
- Blend remaining margarine or butter with cracker crumbs; set aside.
- Combine in a separate bowl: cooked chicken, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, sliced water chestnuts, sliced mushrooms, onion powder, chicken broth, and cooked celery.
- Taste the mixture; if more salt is desired, add a dash of seasoned salt to taste.
- Place the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Top with the cracker crumb mixture.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like garlic powder or thyme into the chicken mixture. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a substitute for cooked fryer chicken. You can also use crushed tortilla chips instead of crackers for a different texture. If you want to make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables or a bean mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, serve it with warm bread or rolls. It also makes a great main dish for potlucks or family gatherings. If you're looking for more side ideas, consider serving it alongside Heavenly Cheese Salad for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, just be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary B'S Supreme Chicken Casserole contains roughly 407 calories, with 13g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 514mg per serving (22% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version with a roux of butter, flour, and chicken broth. Additionally, a mixture of sour cream and chicken broth can provide a similar creamy texture.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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).