Simple Chicken Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, savory celery soup, and flavorful herbs. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines creamy, crunchy, and hearty elements, making it a versatile dish suitable for casual or special occasions. Easy to prepare and customize to taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chicken until tender, then remove all bones and skin.
- Cut the chicken into desired size pieces.
- Spread the chicken evenly on the bottom of a 10 x 10 x 20-inch casserole dish.
- Mix 3/4 of the stuffing mix with chicken broth, celery soup, milk, diced celery, celery salt, and curry powder if using.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken in the dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 of the stuffing mix over the top.
- Pour some of the chicken broth around the edges of the casserole to prevent sticking.
- Optional: sprinkle melted butter over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes at 325°F or until browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the mixture. If you don't have celery soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken or mushroom soup. For a healthier option, use whole grain stuffing mix. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, especially if opting out of curry powder. This dish is versatile, so feel free to include your favorite vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also enjoy it alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a comforting twist, consider serving with a side of Chicken Divan Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be cautious not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Chicken Casserole contains roughly 511 calories, with 14g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (129% of the Daily Value), iron (94% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. It also contributes 36g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before boiling. Cooking from frozen may increase cooking time, so ensure the chicken is fully cooked through before removing bones and skin.
What can I substitute for celery if I don't have any?
If you don't have celery, you can use diced bell peppers or carrots for crunch and flavor. Alternatively, you can omit the vegetable entirely and still have a delicious dish, or add other veggies like peas or green beans.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).