Shrimp Or Chicken Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender shrimp or chicken with vegetables, rice, and cheesy flavors, baked to perfection with crunchy bread crumbs—perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/3 c. fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 c. green onion tops ⓘ
- 3 c. boiled shrimp or chicken ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked rice
- 1 can Cheddar cheese soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimentos ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- toasted bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped celery, bell pepper, onion, garlic, parsley, and green onion tops in 1 stick of butter.
- Add cooked rice and boiled shrimp or chicken to the vegetables.
- Stir in undiluted Cheddar cheese soup, mushroom soup, pimentos, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart buttered casserole dish.
- Top with toasted bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like thyme or dill in place of parsley. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for boiled chicken. Additionally, feel free to swap the rice for quinoa or a gluten-free option to cater to dietary preferences. This casserole can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or a side of garlic bread. It could also be complemented with a light white wine. For more delightful seafood options, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Or Chicken Casserole contains roughly 646 calories, with 35g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), and iron (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1702mg per serving (74% 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 or chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp or chicken. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole. Thaw the shrimp or chicken in the refrigerator overnight for the best results, or quickly microwave them just until thawed before incorporating into the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by substituting the shrimp or chicken with chopped mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure the soups used are vegetarian-friendly to maintain the dish's creaminess.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add some heat to your casserole, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mixture. You can also top it with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking for an extra kick. Adjust the spiciness to your preference for a personalized touch.
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).