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white casserole dish of baked Easy Chicken Casserole with a spoon in center scooping a serving

Easy Chicken Casserole

Author: Valerie Denton
Overflowing with rich, savory flavors and nourishing ingredients, this delightful dish promises to enhance your culinary journey. Ideal for cozy family gatherings or a delectable brunch affair, our Easy Chicken Casserole intertwines succulent chicken pieces, artisanal bread, and a velvety, indulgent custard.
5 From 1 Cook (Select ★ to rate!)
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PREP TIME30 minutes
COOK TIME1 hour
Chill5 hours
TOTAL TIME6 hours 30 minutes

SERVINGS

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  Yields: 4

Ingredients
 

  • 4 bread slices (pain beaucaire, farmhouse white, French, hearth bread)
  • 2 cups chicken (Cooked and chopped. I use a combination of rotisserie and smoked chicken. )
  • 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
  • 1/4 lb mushrooms (fresh button or baby portabella, cleaned and sliced)
  • 8 oz water chestnuts (drained and coarsely chopped)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (real mayo, do not use the sweet whipped dressing)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup milk (whole)
  • 10 3/4 ounces cream of chicken soup (typically 1 can, 10 3/4 ounce cream of chicken soup)
  • 2 large eggs (large, lightly beaten)
  • 3 tablespoons roasted red peppers (drained and diced)
  • 1 teaspoons salt (kosher)
  • 1/4 teaspoons white pepper (ground)

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Instructions

  • Prepare the Baking Dish.  Start by taking an 8x8 inch baking dish and generously buttering the bottom and sides.  Cut or tear the 4 bread slices into medium chunks.  Arrange bread to completely cover the bottom of the dish.  
  • Layer the Chicken. Once the bread is laid out, evenly distribute 2 cups chicken over the bread, creating the first layer of your casserole.
  • Sauté the Mushrooms.  Heat a small frying pan over medium heat and melt 3 tablespoons butter.  Add sliced 1/4 lb mushrooms to the pan and sauté them until they are nicely browned, which should take approximately 9 minutes ⏱️.  This step infuses the mushrooms with a rich, buttery flavor, adding depth to the casserole.
  • Add Water Chestnuts and Mayonnaise.  Once the mushrooms are sautéed, remove the pan from the heat.  Stir into the mushrooms 8 oz water chestnuts and 1/2 cup mayonnaise, mixing everything together until well combined.  This mixture should then be evenly spread over the layer of chicken in the baking dish.
  • Add the Cheese. Evenly distribute 1 cup cheddar cheese over the top, covering the mushroom mixture.
  • Combine the Casserole Mixture.  In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup milk, 10 3/4 ounces cream of chicken soup, 2 large eggs, 3 tablespoons roasted red peppers,1 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoons white pepper.  Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.  This creamy mixture is then poured over the chicken and mushroom layers, ensuring the dish is well-coated and ready for baking. Place in the refrigerator allowing approximately 5 hours to chill.
    TIP: Preparing your casserole ahead of time and refrigerating it overnight (approximately 10-12 hours) is a fantastic little kitchen hack. It not only helps you manage your time more effectively, especially if you've got a busy day ahead, but it also allows all those delicious flavors to meld together, promising an even tastier dish once it's finally time to bake.
  • Preheat the Oven. Pre-heat the oven to 350 °F
  • Bake the Casserole.  Bake the casserole for approximately 60 minutes ⏱️ and ensure the dish is cooked through and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Notes

  • I use a less sweet mayonnaise such as Hellman
  • If you do not have access to smoked chicken, use all rotisserie or other precooked chicken
  • For anyone adverse to mushroom, you may reduce the butter to 1 Tbsp, melted and continue the recipe mixing the water chestnuts and mayonnaise
  • Be sure to check out our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) section, where we answer all your burning questions to help you navigate the recipe with ease and confidence!
  • Don't miss our HOW MUCH TO MAKE section, where we help you perfectly portion your recipes for any gathering, big or small—ensuring everyone leaves your table satisfied and happy!
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American

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Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 765kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 36gFat: 54gCholesterol: 210mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g
Nutritional Information Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is based on approximate calculations by various tools and resources. This information should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice. Always consult a dietitian or health professional for specific health or dietary concerns. For details read our Terms of Use.
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