York Presbyterian Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole with celery, water chestnuts, and flavorful creamy soups, topped with savory stuffing and margarine—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the stuffing with melted margarine.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the stuffing mixture for the topping.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken breasts, chopped celery, drained water chestnuts, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Add the remaining stuffing mixture to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the reserved stuffing mixture on top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken mixture. If you don't have mayonnaise, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. You can also experiment with different types of stuffing, such as a savory herb stuffing, to customize the dish. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked for the best texture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting experience, consider serving with a side of Rice And Green Bean Casserole to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will help maintain the casserole's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of York Presbyterian Chicken Casserole contains roughly 720 calories, with 33g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1483mg per serving (64% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
Using raw chicken is not recommended for this recipe, as it requires pre-cooked chicken to ensure proper cooking and safety. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it works perfectly and saves prep time.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes it a great make-ahead meal option.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with another cream soup like cream of celery or even a homemade white sauce. This will still provide a creamy texture and complement the flavors of the dish.
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).