My Favorite Easy Chicken Casserole
A creamy, flavorful chicken casserole combining tender chicken, rice, vegetables, and crunchy almonds, perfect for family dinners and versatile for customization.
Ingredients
- 2 c. boneless cooked chicken breast chunks ⓘ
- 1 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 1 c. cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 3/4 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced almonds, toasted ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimiento ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2/3 c. shredded Cheddar cheese (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except cheese and paprika until well blended.
- Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
- During the last 10 minutes, garnish with shredded cheese and/or paprika if desired.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or sour cream. If you don’t have mayonnaise, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute. You can also swap the shredded Cheddar cheese for a different variety like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra flavor. Make sure to chop the vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken casserole hot, garnished with additional toasted almonds for crunch. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also complements well with a side of Holiday Potato Dish(Scalloped) for a hearty dinner. For a lighter option, consider a simple Summer Dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of water if it appears dry. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Easy Chicken Casserole contains roughly 398 calories, with 15g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (85% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1261mg per serving (55% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just make sure to shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with an equal amount of sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This chicken casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a side of Dill Casserole Bread for a comforting touch.
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).