Richs Celery Chicken Casserole
Rich's Celery Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken tenderloins with savory celery and a rich, creamy broth, baked to perfection. This comforting dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors suited for family dinners or cozy gatherings, delivering hearty satisfaction with each bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper.
- Brown the chicken in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter for about 5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, cook the sliced celery and diced onion until tender; remove and set aside.
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
- Stir over medium heat until a paste forms.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, bringing to a boil while stirring constantly.
- Stir in the cooked celery and onion into the broth.
- Layer cooked rice in the casserole dish.
- Place the browned chicken tenderloins over the rice.
- Pour the thickened celery broth over the chicken and rice.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken tenderloins in herbs or spices before cooking. If you want a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the chicken broth with cream or use a can of condensed cream of chicken soup instead. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also enhance the dish's flavor profile, similar to flavors found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or a light dessert for a satisfying dinner experience, similar to what you might find with recipes like Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Richs Celery Chicken Casserole contains roughly 979 calories, with 22g protein, 194g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1953mg per serving (85% 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 leftover chicken in this casserole?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time. Just skip the browning step and mix the pre-cooked chicken into the casserole before baking. This will still provide great flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for celery in this recipe?
If you're not a fan of celery, you can replace it with chopped bell peppers or green beans for similar crunch. Alternatively, using a mix of vegetables like carrots and peas can add color and nutrition to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure that the chicken broth is also labeled gluten-free to keep the entire dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
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).