Handwritten recipe for Chicken Casserole
by: salvagedrecipes

Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole with Almond Topping

Chicken Casserole
This comforting Chicken Casserole recipe, attributed to Ms. Bocock, is a beloved mid-century dish that blends hearty chicken and rice with a creamy mushroom base and a touch of nutty almond crunch. A staple of Southern-style community cookbooks and church suppers, it captures the essence of postwar American home cooking, resourceful, wholesome, and meant to feed a crowd. The casserole’s simplicity and comforting flavor make it timeless, appealing to both nostalgia seekers and anyone craving an easy, hearty baked meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ¼ cups chicken (cooked, cubed)
  • 2 cups rice (cooked, prepared in chicken broth)
  • 2 cups celery (diced )
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups cream of mushroom soup (undiluted )
  • 1 pkg slivered almonds (divided)
  • ½ cup Special K cereal (crushed, or similar corn flakes)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, rice, diced celery, mayonnaise, and undiluted cream of mushroom soup.

Step 2: Add Almonds

  • Stir in half of the slivered almonds, reserving the rest for topping.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

  • Spread mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 4: Add Topping

  • Sprinkle the remaining almonds and crushed Special K cereal evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 40–45 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Step 6: Serve

  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Tips

  • Toast the slivered almonds lightly before using to deepen their flavor and crunch.
  • Substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom if preferred.
  • Add peas, pimentos, or mixed vegetables for color and extra texture.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to speed up prep time.
  • Replace Special K topping with crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes if desired.
  • For a creamier casserole, increase mayonnaise slightly or add sour cream.
  • To make ahead, assemble fully, refrigerate, then bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Add shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese to the topping for a cheesy crust.
  • Use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday variation.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 24gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword baked casserole, chicken casserole, comfort food, family dinner, potluck casserole, rice casserole, vintage recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!