Nine Layer Baked Chicken
A hearty, cheesy chicken casserole with nine layers, combining bread, vegetables, and creamy soups, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, delivering comfort and rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 9 slices bread, crust removed ⓘ
- 4 cups cooked, diced chicken ⓘ
- 4 oz can mushrooms, sautéed
- 2 cans sliced water chestnuts, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 9 slices Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 4 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup ⓘ
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with slices of bread, removing crusts.
- Layer cooked, diced chicken, sautéed mushrooms, chopped water chestnuts, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese slices, and beaten eggs in the pan as directed.
- Pour milk over the layered ingredients.
- Spread cans of cream of mushroom, chicken, and celery soups evenly over the layers.
- Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for 24 hours to meld flavors.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole covered for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- During the last 15 minutes, cover with buttered crumbs made from bread crusts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mayonnaise. If you want to reduce calories, opt for reduced-fat versions of the soups and cheese. You can also substitute turkey for chicken if you have leftovers from a holiday meal. This recipe can easily be customized by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread for a comforting dinner. For a lighter option, consider a fresh coleslaw or mixed greens. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, just like Lola Hexom's Chicken Hot Dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will help maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nine Layer Baked Chicken contains roughly 1177 calories, with 23g protein, 193g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (46% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2373mg per serving (103% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken, but be sure to thaw and dice it before layering. Ensure it is fully cooked before combining with other ingredients. This can help save time and make preparation easier.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mixture of sour cream and a bit of mustard for a tangy flavor. This will still keep the dish moist and flavorful.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add additional baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).