Our Favorite Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole with tender noodles, savory mushroom and celery flavors, melted cheese, and vegetables, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb. chicken ⓘ
- 12 or 16 oz. medium noodles ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, chopped finely ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 small can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 can peas with juice ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the chicken until tender, then remove from stock and cool. Drain the stock to remove bones and chicken pieces, saving the stock.
- Cook noodles in the reserved chicken stock until tender, then drain.
- Saute celery, onion, and green pepper in margarine in the microwave until tender.
- Cream the mushroom, celery, and chicken soups together and add to the cooked noodles.
- Bone the entire cooked chicken and fold it into the noodle mixture.
- Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, mushrooms, and sauteed vegetables.
- Gently fold in peas and their juice.
- Crumble Dutch rusk or sprinkle fine cracker crumbs on top and dot with butter, if desired.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using skinless chicken breasts and reduced-fat soups. You can substitute the Velveeta cheese with a lower-fat cheese option or skip it altogether for a dairy-free version. Experiment with adding other vegetables like broccoli or carrots, which can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can streamline the preparation.
Serving Suggestions
This comforting Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a warm baguette. If you enjoy casseroles, check out Papa'S Potato Casserole for another satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Our Favorite Chicken Casserole contains roughly 574 calories, with 10g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1035mg per serving (45% 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 different types of noodles for this casserole?
Yes, you can use different types of noodles such as egg noodles, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just ensure they are cooked al dente since they will continue to cook while baking in the casserole.
Is it necessary to use all three types of cream soups?
While the combination of mushroom, celery, and chicken soups adds depth of flavor, you can certainly use just one or two if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to maintain the creamy texture, so consider adjusting the quantity accordingly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When you're ready to bake, it may take a few extra minutes in the oven since it will be cold 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).