Mary Ellen'S Chicken Casserole
Hearty chicken casserole with creamy mushroom and cheese flavors, complemented by green peppers and water chestnuts. Perfect for family dinners and make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken, turkey or ham
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1 large can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon minced onion ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients, reserving half of the diced cheese to sprinkle on top of the casserole.
- Divide the mixture into two 9 x 13-inch pans and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Bake one casserole uncovered at 325°F for 1 hour.
- Freeze the other casserole before baking for later use.
- Serve with a salad or green vegetable for a complete meal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding extra milk or a dollop of sour cream. If you're out of sharp Cheddar, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan works well. You can also substitute the elbow macaroni with whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. Adding a dash of garlic powder can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside garlic bread or a warm baguette. You could also explore other American recipes that complement this dish, such as a refreshing Grape And Almond Chicken Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 325°F for about 30 minutes or until heated through. For frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake straight from the freezer, adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Ellen'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 455 calories, with 21g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (135% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 865mg per serving (38% 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 meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so you can substitute the chicken with turkey or ham based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just ensure the meat is cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this casserole, replace the meat with additional vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or cooked lentils. You can also use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for added flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it, or freeze it before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time if cooking from frozen.
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).