Special Chicken Casserole
A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole with almonds and pimentos, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings, offering rich flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make a sauce by melting butter, stirring in flour, and gradually adding milk to create a roux.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, pimentos, almonds, chicken broth, and cooked chicken to the sauce; mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and top with grated cheese.
- Bake in the oven until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve over chow mein noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Special Chicken Casserole, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute half of the cream with Greek yogurt. You can also replace almonds with walnuts or omit them altogether if there are nut allergies. For a quicker option, precooked chicken works well, similar to recipes like Chicken Casserole(Or Turkey).
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For added texture, serve it over chow mein noodles, which soak up the sauce wonderfully. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. Explore more comforting American recipes for varied sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1105 calories, with 18g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. It also contributes 6g 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 leftover chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it into the sauce as directed. This is a great way to use up extra chicken from meals like Grill Barbecued Chicken.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. On baking day, simply remove the cover and bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can make a quick substitute by combining a mixture of sour cream or Greek yogurt with sautéed mushrooms and a little broth. This will mimic the creamy texture and flavor of the soup, making it a great alternative.
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).