Mary'S Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole with broccoli, creamy mushroom sauce, and cheesy topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with flavorful, satisfying ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, beaten egg, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the cooked chicken pieces and frozen broccoli to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic powder or onion powder to the mixture. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like green beans or peas. For a twist, try adding some cooked bacon or using a different cheese, such as pepper jack, for a bit of spice.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious served with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a light tomato soup like Tomato Cheddar Soup or a refreshing Weekend Chicken Salad. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying dish for family dinners or potlucks.
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 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but the oven method helps maintain the crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 665 calories, with 14g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 552mg per serving (24% 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 rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and mix it into the casserole as you would with the raw chicken. The dish may bake a bit faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Can I freeze this casserole before baking it?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and freeze it. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
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 even make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, cream, and chicken broth. This will give you a similar creamy texture and flavor for your casserole.
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).