Scalloped Chicken(Healthy Heart)
A creamy, comforting casserole that blends tender chicken, mushrooms, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping—perfect for family dinners seeking simple, heart‑friendly flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 loaf white bread, cubed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. cracker crumbs, divided ⓘ
- 3 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten or Egg Beaters (1/4 c. Egg Beaters equals 1 egg) ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 3/4 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 c. cubed, cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 c. (8 oz.) sliced, drained mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread and 1 cup of cracker crumbs.
- Stir in the chicken broth, eggs, salt, diced celery, chopped onion, cooked chicken, and sliced mushrooms until well mixed.
- In a saucepan, melt the margarine and brown the remaining cracker crumbs, then sprinkle them over the casserole mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using whole grain bread and low-sodium chicken broth. You can substitute the margarine with olive oil or a plant-based butter for a cleaner option. If you want a bit more flavor, add garlic or thyme to the mixture. To enhance the dish's texture, you might also incorporate some sautéed spinach or kale. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This scalloped chicken dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You might also consider serving it alongside rice or quinoa to soak up the flavors. For added variety, a side of roasted asparagus or green beans would complement the dish nicely, making it a flavorful and nutritious option for any dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Ensure it’s heated evenly to maintain the dish's texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scalloped Chicken(Healthy Heart) contains roughly 521 calories, with 17g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (135% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1879mg per serving (82% 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 uncooked chicken in this recipe?
It's recommended to use cooked chicken to ensure the dish is fully cooked and safe to eat. If you wish to use raw chicken, consider sautéing or poaching it first, then cubing it before adding it to the mixture. This will help maintain the dish's texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the eggs?
If you prefer not to use eggs, you can substitute them with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon of seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg). Additionally, you can use commercial egg replacers that work well in baked dishes, ensuring a similar texture.
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).