Shrimp And Chicken Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender chicken, succulent shrimp, broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce, topped with breadcrumbs and paprika—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. broiler-fryer chicken ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 lb. medium shrimp ⓘ
- 16 oz. frozen broccoli cuts, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
- 3 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. margarine or butter ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
- 1 c. mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cover the chicken with water in a large pot, add salt, and cook until tender.
- Cool the chicken, then remove skin and bones, and chop or shred the meat.
- Bring the water to a boil, add shrimp, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until pink.
- Spread the thawed and drained broccoli in a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Combine mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, lemon juice, and pepper; spread one-third of the mixture over the broccoli.
- Mix the cooked chicken and shrimp, then evenly spread over the casserole.
- Top with the remaining sauce.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Uncover, sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Combine melted margarine or butter with bread crumbs, and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake an additional 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with paprika before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken while cooking. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the cream mixture. This casserole can also be customized by incorporating other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots.
Serving Suggestions
This Shrimp and Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or rice. A light vinaigrette salad can balance the richness of the casserole, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp And Chicken Casserole contains roughly 754 calories, with 25g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1415mg per serving (62% 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 frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This can be done overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in cold water. Adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary, ensuring they turn pink and are fully cooked.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you want to avoid condensed soups, you can make a homemade version using chicken broth, milk, and a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour. Alternatively, you can use cream of mushroom or even cream of broccoli soup for a different flavor profile.
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).