Nancy'S Chicken
A comforting chicken casserole featuring creamy mushroom and celery soups, crunchy water chestnuts, and toasted slivered almonds, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 cups cut up cooked chicken
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of celery soup
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 onion (1 1/2 to 2-inch diameter) or dried onion flakes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/2 oz.) can dry Chinese noodles ⓘ
- slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute celery and onion in a tablespoon of margarine or oil.
- Mix the cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, and evaporated milk in a large saucepan.
- Add the sautéed celery and onions to the soup mixture and stir well.
- Add the sliced water chestnuts and cooked chicken to the mixture.
- Mix lightly to combine all ingredients.
- In a 7 x 11-inch baking dish, place a layer of dry Chinese noodles at the bottom.
- Spread the chicken mixture over the noodles.
- Top with the remaining dry noodles and sprinkle slivered almonds on top.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or some grated cheese to the chicken mixture. You can substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of chicken if preferred. If you don't have slivered almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts can provide a similar crunch. Remember to adjust the amount of soy sauce if using flavored water chestnuts.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with rice or quinoa. It can also be enjoyed alongside American recipes like Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole for a comforting dinner spread.
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 until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered dish, adding a splash of milk to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nancy'S Chicken contains roughly 439 calories, with 4g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 27g 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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
It is recommended to use cooked chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking and flavor. However, if using raw chicken, cook it separately until fully done, then shred it before adding to the mixture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and layer it with the noodles ahead of time. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for the evaporated milk?
You can replace evaporated milk with a mixture of regular milk and heavy cream or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. Adjust the amount to achieve a similar consistency for best results.
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).