Spectacular Chicken Casserole
Spectacular Chicken Casserole combines tender cooked chicken, flavorful wild rice, and crisp green beans, all baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with almonds and pimientos, it offers a hearty, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings, with a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 (5.2 oz.) pkg. wild rice with herbs
- 2 c. cubed cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can French-style green beans drained ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of celery soup
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts drained ⓘ
- 1/2 c. slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar sliced pimientos ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare a 2-quart baking dish with Pam or cooking spray.
- Cook rice for 5 minutes less than the package directions.
- Mix the cooked rice with the drained green beans, cream of celery soup, sliced water chestnuts, mayonnaise, chopped onion, sliced pimientos, and cubed cooked chicken.
- Sprinkle slivered almonds on top and garnish with paprika.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until heated through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a touch more mayonnaise or substituting Greek yogurt for a healthier option. You can also use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken for convenience. If you're short on time, quick-cooking rice can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. This casserole can be customized with different vegetables or even cheese for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spectacular Chicken Casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic bread for a comforting dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, and leftovers make for great lunch options.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated to your liking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spectacular Chicken Casserole contains roughly 273 calories, with 5g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, 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. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when hosting guests.
What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
If you don’t have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version by combining a roux with vegetable broth and adding some sautéed celery for flavor. This will keep the dish creamy while maintaining that comforting texture.
Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, replace the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of cream of celery soup. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the flavor. This will create a delicious and hearty vegetarian casserole that everyone will enjoy.
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).