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–+ servings
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.
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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 9x13-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
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