Mock Souffle(Chicken Casserole)
A comforting chicken casserole with bread, cheese, and vegetables, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for family dinners and hearty gatherings, blending creamy flavors with crispy toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the bread into cubes, saving some buttered cubes for topping.
- Place half of the plain bread cubes in the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Mix chicken, chopped onion, chopped celery, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper; spread this mixture over the bread layer.
- Cover with the remaining bread cubes.
- Beat eggs and milk together and pour over the bread cubes.
- Chill the mixture if preparing in advance.
- Add the can of cream of celery soup over the top.
- Cover with the remaining buttered bread cubes.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50 minutes, or 350°F (175°C) if the dish is deep.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can also swap out the cream of celery soup for a homemade version using vegetable broth and flour. If you're in a hurry, use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own. This dish is versatile; feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mock souffle with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Darlene'S Chicken Salad for a refreshing contrast. For an added crunch, consider offering a side of garlic bread or a simple green bean almondine to complement the creamy casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker heating, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mock Souffle(Chicken Casserole) contains roughly 404 calories, with 10g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1815mg per serving (79% 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 fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but it may result in a soggier texture. Toasting the fresh bread cubes slightly before using them can help maintain a better structure in the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables, like spinach and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the soup for a completely vegetarian dish.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it before baking. Just remember to add the cream of celery soup and buttered bread cubes right before baking to maintain the best texture and flavor.
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).