Handwritten recipe for Tuna Chicken Casserole
by: salvagedrecipes

Tuna and Chicken Chow Mein Noodle Casserole

Tuna Chicken Casserole
This Tuna Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that blends pantry staples with hearty proteins to create a creamy, family-style meal. Popular in mid-20th-century American kitchens, casseroles like this one were designed to stretch ingredients economically while delivering flavor and substance. The combination of tuna and chicken (or turkey) layered with mushroom soup, noodles, and crunchy nuts reflects the era’s love for convenience foods that still feel homemade. Perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners, it’s a nostalgic recipe that evokes warmth, simplicity, and the practicality of home cooking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 345 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup tuna
  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (or turkey, shredded)
  • 1 cup celery (chopped)
  • ¼ cup onion (diced )
  • 1 cup cooked Chinese noodles (chow mein style)
  • ½ cup cashew nuts

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

  • Cook noodles according to package directions. Chop celery and onion. Shred cooked chicken or turkey.

Step 2: Mix Casserole Base

  • In a large bowl, combine tuna, mushroom soup, shredded chicken or turkey, celery, onion, noodles, and cashew nuts. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Assemble Casserole

  • Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish. Spread evenly.

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden on top.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

  • Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Substitute all chicken or all tuna if you prefer a single protein.
  • Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to reduce salt content.
  • Add frozen peas or mixed vegetables for color and nutrition.
  • Replace chow mein noodles with egg noodles or rice if desired.
  • Top with buttered breadcrumbs instead of noodles for crunch.
  • Add shredded cheddar or Swiss for a cheesier casserole.
  • Toast cashews lightly before adding for extra flavor.
  • Use rotisserie chicken leftovers to make prep faster.
  • Mix in a little soy sauce or Worcestershire for deeper savory flavor.
  • Prepare ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 27gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 590mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 2mg
Keyword baked casserole, casserole, Chicken, chow mein noodles, comfort food, easy bake, family dinner, tuna, vintage recipe
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