Mary'S Chicken Breast Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole with vegetables and melted cheese, perfect for cozy family dinners and satisfying all appetites with creamy mushroom flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the onion and celery in margarine until tender.
- Place frozen vegetables in the bottom of a square casserole dish.
- Layer the sautéed onion and celery over the vegetables.
- Add browned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables and onion mixture.
- Pour cream of mushroom soup over the chicken and vegetables.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder or paprika before browning. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce. Frozen veggies can be swapped with fresh ones if you have them on hand, just ensure to sauté them briefly before layering to prevent excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. You can also browse more American recipes for additional comforting options to accompany this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Chicken Breast Casserole contains roughly 14 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this casserole and may even provide more moisture and flavor. Just ensure they are cooked through before layering them in the dish, as they may take longer to cook than breasts.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, cream, and broth. This will maintain the creamy texture and add a lovely depth of flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge to the oven.
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).