Pam'S Chicken Souffle
A comforting chicken souffle casserole with creamy mushroom sauce, melted Cheddar, and savory herbs, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that love hearty, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bread without crusts ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 3/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pimento ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups grated mild Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Accent ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut 2 slices of bread into cubes and set aside.
- Grease a 10 1/2 x 7 x 2-inch casserole or a 1 1/2-quart rectangular dish.
- Combine chopped cooked chicken, mayonnaise, chopped celery, chopped parsley, chopped onion, and chopped pimento in a bowl.
- Add salt, pepper, and Accent to the chicken mixture and mix well.
- Spread the chicken mixture over the bread cubes in the casserole.
- Cube the remaining 4 slices of bread and layer over the chicken mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then mix with the milk.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered bread and chicken.
- Cover the casserole and refrigerate overnight.
- One hour before baking, preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Pour undiluted cream of mushroom soup over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 50 minutes.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese over the top and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut. Make sure to use day-old bread for the best texture, as it absorbs the custard mixture better. Adding a dash of hot sauce can give the dish an extra kick if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Pam's Chicken Souffle is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a hearty side, consider serving it alongside Meat Loaf With Gravy. A glass of crisp white wine can enhance the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pam'S Chicken Souffle contains roughly 963 calories, with 26g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (190% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value), and potassium (91% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2247mg per serving (98% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just be sure to cover it tightly. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it a convenient option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
Can I freeze Pam's Chicken Souffle?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions as usual.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with homemade white sauce or a different cream soup, like cream of chicken. For a healthier option, a vegetable broth-based sauce thickened with cornstarch can work well too.
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).