Rena'S Chinese Chicken Casserole
A savory Chinese chicken casserole with tender chicken, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and crunchy toppings, perfect for a comforting family meal with rich flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 can mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts diced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds toasted ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups corn flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, onion, lemon juice, salt, and mushroom soup to make the dressing.
- Toss the cooked chicken, celery, rice, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and the dressing together until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with butter, toasted slivered almonds, and corn flakes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of sour cream to the dressing. If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be swapped for the mayonnaise. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the flavors. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. For a crunchier topping, try adding more toasted almonds or even some crispy fried onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm, garnished with additional toasted slivered almonds for extra crunch. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a more substantial dinner, consider serving it alongside rice or noodles, such as those found in Chicken And Chinese Vegetables, to soak up the delicious flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. This casserole can also be frozen; just ensure it's tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn and consume within 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rena'S Chinese Chicken Casserole contains roughly 534 calories, with 5g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1472mg per serving (64% 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 raw chicken in this recipe?
It's best to use cooked chicken for this casserole. If you want to use raw chicken, cook it thoroughly first before adding it to the other ingredients. This ensures food safety and proper flavor integration.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with a mix of diced tofu or tempeh and additional vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also increase the amount of mushrooms for a meaty texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier casserole, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. Alternatively, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking to give it a kick. This will add a nice heat without overwhelming the dish.
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).