Nutty Chicken Casserole
A hearty nutty chicken casserole blending tender chicken, cheese, vegetables, and crunchy crackers, perfect for comforting family dinners and those who enjoy savory, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup macaroni, uncooked ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sautéed mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green peppers, lightly sautéed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced pimento ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked, cubed chicken ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts, split ⓘ
- 3/4 cup well-seasoned chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10 1/2 oz. each) ⓘ
- 1 3/4 packages cheese crackers, coarsely crushed ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni until almost tender, then drain.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan and put the cooked macaroni inside.
- Layer the shredded cheese, sautéed mushrooms, chopped green peppers, sliced pimento, cooked chicken, and cashew nuts over the macaroni.
- Mix the cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the pan.
- Sprinkle the coarsely crushed cheese crackers on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until slightly browned and bubbling around the edges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the soup mixture. If you're out of cashew nuts, almonds or walnuts can serve as excellent alternatives. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time. Keep an eye on the casserole while baking to prevent over-browning, similar to how you would with Chicken-N-Rice Bake.
Serving Suggestions
This Nutty Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier dinner, complement it with mashed potatoes or rice. Explore more American recipes for varied side dish options.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nutty Chicken Casserole contains roughly 603 calories, with 21g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (105% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1206mg per serving (52% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming directly from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use homemade cream of chicken soup or a mixture of cream cheese and chicken broth. This will give you a similar creamy texture without processed ingredients.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, cover the casserole tightly with foil before baking. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
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).