Chicken Bake Supreme Surprise is a comforting mid-century American sandwich casserole that combines creamy chicken filling with crisp, golden crusts. Originating from the 1950s and ’60s era of make-ahead family meals, it reflects the ingenuity of homemakers who balanced convenience with flavor. This dish layers cubed chicken, mushroom soup, and gravy between soft sandwich bread, dipped in egg, and rolled in crushed potato chips for a crunchy twist. Often baked in foil and frozen for later, it’s perfect for entertaining or cozy Sunday dinners. The recipe’s richness and nostalgic charm make it a timeless favorite, especially when topped with Parmesan or served with asparagus spears.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (chopped or cubed )
- 10 ½ oz mushroom soup
- 10 oz chicken gravy (1 can)
- 4 oz pimento (chopped, drained)
- 8 oz water chestnuts (sliced, drained well)
- 1 loaf sandwich bread (large, crusts removed)
- 2 cups potato chips (crushed )
- 1 – 2 eggs (beaten, for dipping)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, optional topping)
- cheese sauce (optional)
- asparagus spears (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Filling
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, mushroom soup, chicken gravy, pimento, and water chestnuts. Mix until evenly blended.
Step 2: Assemble Sandwiches
- Cut crusts off sandwich bread slices. Spread the chicken mixture between two slices of bread to form sandwiches. Place on a cookie sheet and freeze slightly for easier handling.
Step 3: Wrap and Freeze
- Wrap each sandwich individually in foil. Freeze until firm.
Step 4: Coat Sandwiches
- On the day of serving, crush potato chips finely. Beat eggs (1 egg per 2–3 sandwiches). Dip each frozen sandwich into the egg mixture, then roll in crushed potato chips.
Step 5: Bake
- Place coated sandwiches on a well-greased cookie sheet. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour until golden and crisp.
Step 6: Serve
- Top with Parmesan cheese or serve with a warm cheese sauce. Pairs beautifully with asparagus spears or a crisp green salad.
Tips
- Use sturdy sandwich bread so it holds together during freezing and baking.
- Lightly toasting the bread before assembly can prevent sogginess.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking, as suggested on the card.
- Serve with asparagus spears or a light salad to balance the richness.
- Substitute crushed cornflakes instead of potato chips for a different crunch.
- Prepare and freeze in advance for holidays or busy weeknights.
- Bake on parchment or a silicone liner for easier cleanup.
- Add a little chopped celery or onions to the filling for extra texture if desired.
- Ensure sandwiches are still frozen when dipping in egg for best coating adherence.
- Use cheese sauce on top as noted on the reverse for a richer version.
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 22gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 480IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 2mg
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