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Unforgettable Chicken Casserole

This creamy chicken casserole is a weeknight winner!

(64 Votes)
Updated December 18, 2022
Unforgettable Chicken Casserole
SERVES
8
COOK TIME
35 Min

Simple and satisfying, our Unforgettable Chicken Casserole has that cozy-comfort taste and texture that will make for a memorable meal. Using readily available ingredients, in just 30 minutes oven time, you'll have a chicken casserole recipe that'll stick in everyone's mind!

This delicious creamy chicken casserole recipe is a favorite for several reasons. First of all, it tastes amazing! With plenty of cheese and rich ingredients like mayo and sour cream, this casserole recipe is indulgent in all the best ways. Second, it's a perfect recipe to feed a hungry family. It makes plenty of servings, and leftovers taste great (if there are any). This is one of those meals that will make leftover night something that everyone actually looks forward to!

Enjoy this cheesy chicken casserole with your family this week. You'll be happy you did!

What You'll Need

  • 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 2 cups finely chopped celery
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 (4-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
  • 1 (10-3/4-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1 (6-ounce) can French-fried onion rings

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What to Do

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together chicken, celery, cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, water chestnuts, soup, and almonds. Spoon into prepared baking dish.
  3. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Sprinkle onion rings evenly over top and bake 5 more minutes, or until bubbly around edges. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Just a Suggestion!

  • We suggest serving this comforting recipe with a side of deliciously flavored corn or broccoli to make a full dinner!
     
  • Store leftovers of this cream of chicken casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Follow Mr. Food's leftover food storage tips for more food safety information and smart ideas!

  • If you like this Unforgettable Chicken Casserole recipe, you're gonna love our collection of Top 10 Chicken Casserole Recipes!

  • And for even more easy dinner recipes, check out our collection of Best Casserole Recipes.

If you love these recipes, then you'll love this FREE eCookbook!

Healthy Casserole Recipes: 20 of Your Favorites, Including Low-Carb Casseroles!

Up Next:

Bring-Along Casserole

Nutritional InformationShow More

Servings Per Recipe: 8

  • Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
  • Calories 523
  • Calories from Fat 346
  • Total Fat 38g 59 %
  • Saturated Fat 13g 67 %
  • Trans Fat 0.0g 0 %
  • Protein 23g 47 %
  • Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
  • Cholesterol 92mg 31 %
  • Sodium 813mg 34 %
  • Total Carbohydrates 19g 6 %
  • Dietary Fiber 1.7g 7 %
  • Sugars 2.4g 0 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Ratings & Comments

My Rating:  

I have not made this yet so I cannot rate it.

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DonutGuy34

Dec 26, 2022

made my grandson projectile vomit at christmas dinner. would not recommend

Lucygirl2021

Aug 19, 2022

Absolutely awesome casserole. Have made twice now. Delicious hot or cold. Can even be used as chicken salad for sandwiches. My family loves it. Highly recommend!

pmhayes 8251232

Oct 10, 2021

Great recipe. Tastes fantastic! We are not fans of celery, so I substituted mixed vegetables. This is definitely a keeper.

Seximexi

Dec 21, 2019

Been making this exact recipe for years! Its become a family recipe and a much requested dish on special days. AAA mmmmwwwaaa! My family says yum yum and thank you.

bojigal1 6991153

Mar 11, 2019

It was deadly with NO seasonings, other than the salt from the canned onions. BUT it has the basis for a truly unforgettable casserole(at least for my family) with some changes. I used a hefty tablespoon 'blop" of mayo and sour cream to a can of cream of mushroom soup...I c. each mayo sour cream doesn't work for me. I also added some finely chopped onion(to taste) to the mix. For a true 1-dish meal, I added a 1# bag of Birds Eye Fresh Mixture of Broccoli Florets, Cauliflower Carrots(cooked and drained) and package of Uncle Ben's Rice(micro-cooked). Stir all together and add a hefty dose(to taste) curry powder, or whatever seasonings you prefer(Cavender's is also excellent). I omitted the nuts, but used the canned French fried Onion Rings on top for the last few minutes of heating for more tastiness. Family loved it, so it's now in my regular rotation of meal planning!

Test Kitchen Team

Mar 12, 2019

Hi there! Thank you so much for the feedback. We're very happy that you were able to make this recipe your own. That's one thing the Mr. Food Test Kitchen prides themselves on, is creating flexible recipes, that can easily be adjusted to fit a variety of tastes. We're so happy it's on the regular rotation!

Rnbowgrl

Sep 23, 2018

This recipe sounds like it would definitely be unforgettable to me and I love that it doesn't have pasta or rice in it. I don't think I've ever had anything cooked with mayonnaise in it before but I can see how it would make it rich and creamy. I think personally, instead of using the canned french fried onion rings I'd probably make up some homemade and use those both in the casserole and on top...but I'm a big time onion lover too!

Morehouse17

May 30, 2018

In the nick of time. I took out some chicken to cook today and I did not have time to allow it to thaw so I selected something else for dinner today. This is what's for dinner tomorrow.

Morehouse17

Mar 28, 2018

This chicken casserole dish sounds really unforgettable. I have prepared a few versions and I am always up to try a new version. I do not recall ever having slivered almonds in my other recipes. The addition sounds interesting.

Delphine Bryant

Mar 12, 2018

I can remember the first time I had chicken casserole. I was dating and we had dinner at his Mom's. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Casseroles were never prepared at my home growing up. Needless to say I started preparing them when I went out on my own. I had her recipe and somehow it was lost. Never found one to replace it but I continue to try.

lorij64

Feb 27, 2018

This was a great idea. It looked lovely and smelled great. But then you ate it. I was concerned about a cup of mayo, with good reason. It ruined the dish! My hubby will eat just about anything and he had a hard time choking this down. We loved the consistancy, but the mayo was overwhelming. It was like a mayo casserole. We love mayo! Mayo on sandwiches, burgers, BLTs (of course) use it in Chicken salad and deviled eggs. When I finished, I could not get that taste out of my mouth. I ate 3 pieces of chocolate, two cookies and drank two glasses of pop. It made me sick to my tummy. I will be making this set of ingredients again, but will be using a can of cream of mushroom to replace the mayo. It's so unfortunate. You have to really like the taste of mayo to enjoy this. I'm still grossed out this morning. Ugh... This is just my two cents. It definitely was "Unforgettable"...

Kathnan

Feb 16, 2017

Can I put this together a day ahead of time and then bake it?

Test Kitchen Team

Feb 17, 2017

Hi there! The Test Kitchen believes that it is okay to prepare this ahead of time. Just as a remind, remember to add the onion rings in step 3. Enjoy!

kai6003 7932773

Mar 13, 2017

Would this be a good candidate for a freezer meal? (Does sour cream freeze and thaw well?)

Test Kitchen Team

Mar 14, 2017

The Test Kitchen does not think that this recipe would freeze well, as the sour cream and mayo may curdle in the process.

maggie2903 2758938

Jan 13, 2017

I am intrigued but find no nutritional information for any of your recipes...particularly carbs and sodium...vital for me to know

lybra975 8404706

Sep 25, 2016

Ths was the BEST casserole I have had in a long time. Made exactly as stated and used slivered almonds. It was fantastic. Could not wait for leftovers!!

luvmyjava66 5776183

Jun 02, 2016

Did not save my comment.

Lfg0527 9766178

Mar 30, 2016

SOOO SOOO good! One of my all-time favorite chicken casserole recipes. I highly recommend grilling the chicken and adding finely chopped onions in with! Also, I would advise to make and chop all the nuts fine enough so you aren't eating hard chunks (I made that mistake the first time). Otherwise, so simple and so delicious!

BeckySue

May 11, 2016

Grilled chicken is a good suggestion! I used sliced water chestnuts and they were fine, not hard chunks. Just a light crunch. I put sliced black olives on the top for decoration-whole family loves them, but you either love them or hate them! lol

chrisk

Mar 17, 2016

This is the classic chicken casserole I think many of us grew up with. Tried and tasty, it can serve for family or company and you can adapt it for less salt and processed foods as you see fit. Add a side of pasta, egg noodles or rice for a carb if you like. Love having this in my bag of tricks.

woody19021 7379536

Feb 28, 2016

Sounds good, but NO cheese.

jlsdh38 3447114

Jan 14, 2016

This recipe was not only very easy...it turned out terrific! Thanks for another OOOO It's so good recipe!

grammy 2088241

Nov 11, 2015

IF I'm going to freeze this, do I bake first then freeze?? What is the best process if I'm freezing the casserole?? Thank You

Test Kitchen Team

Nov 12, 2015

Hello! - You will need to freeze the casserole before baking it. When you're ready to eat, thaw the casserole and bake. - Enjoy!

Skysnene

Oct 13, 2015

My whole family loved this casserole. I bake a lot of casseroles since they are quick and usually easy and this one is at the top of our list. I will definitely make it again (and again!)

mjkmanley 9478282

Sep 20, 2015

I would like to know if this could be assembled the night before baked later the next day for a potluck?

Test Kitchen Team

Sep 21, 2015

Yes, this casserole can be assembled the night before and baked the next day. Enjoy!

mmccurine 1801095

Sep 18, 2015

Made this the other day with some leftover roast chicken and my husband and I thought it was just too creamy. Maybe it was the sour cream or the mayo but we thought of ways to change it for next time. The crunch from the water chestnuts and almond was good. Maybe just use more cream of chicken soup and omit the sour cream and mayo.

glennwyo 9978623

Sep 14, 2015

How do I move this recipe into my recipe box? Can't find anyway to transfer it when I click on Recipe box.

Test Kitchen Team

Sep 15, 2015

Make sure you are logged in then click on "Save to Recipe Box" in the right hand box beside photo. A pop-up notification should appear saying it has been added. The bottom that said "Add to Recipe Box" should now say "Remove from Recipe Box." If you aren't sure if it added, check in your recipe box. If you're having further problems let us know and we'll try to help! HOW TO USE YOUR RECIPE BOX: http://www.mrfood.com/blog/mf/how-to-use-your-recipe-box-with-step-by-step-photos/

KrisZ

Apr 04, 2015

This is the recipe my mom used to make 40 years ago, thanks for sharing. Deliciously rich and crunchy.

betti 5003482

Apr 04, 2015

Can you use plain yogurt instead of the sour cream?

Test Kitchen Team

Apr 06, 2015

Hello- You can certainty substitute plain yogurt for sour cream. We hope you enjoy!

theringalings

Sep 11, 2015

That would have been my comment as well. My husband is allergic to sour cream. Thanks for asking.

gracefullikeagazelle

Apr 04, 2015

I will definitely try this after we finish off Easter dinner leftovers (= I usually have almonds the freezer--buy a bunch when Bulk Barn has a sale. Also I tend to agree with Suzqdogluvr from 2013...I want to read reviews from people who actually made the recipe, with or without tweaking. Don't we all tweak a recipe?? I'm keen on reducing my canned soup stockpile so the ingredient list is built to order, other than the canned onion rings. Yukky. Thank you Mr. Food!

iluvlucie

Jan 29, 2015

My family and I LOVE this casserole. It's fast, easy, and tastes wonderful. My whole family gets together once a year and cans chicken (don't laugh, I thought it would be nasty too before I tried it) and it's SO great to pop a jar and throw it in. Also a left over rotisserie chicken is great to use.

Judy Reher

Oct 12, 2014

We love this casserole and I make it about once a month !!

Kathnan

Jun 24, 2014

Can you make this without mayo. I hate mayo?

Test Kitchen Team

Jun 25, 2014

Yes, you can make this without the mayo. You can just add another cup of sour cream, or just omit the mayo altogether and it will be fine. :) Enjoy!

whosyournana 9622226

May 27, 2014

added 2 cups of Oreintal frozen veggies & 1/2 cup half & half to casserole and baked as directed. it was very good! thanks!!

foxrox

May 08, 2014

I made this last night and it was so delicious. My guys really liked it. The only thing I would change next time I make it is to leave out the slivered almonds. We all agreed we didn't care for them. This will definitely be a favorit.

cukes

May 02, 2014

This is definitely a KEEPER!!! YUM-YUM

beachsquirrel 8716971

Jan 28, 2014

Moosie2-Made this with half and half to replace the cream soup. Turned out very well, not too juicy. Very tasty!

nanamama1964 9536842

Jan 01, 2014

this is absolutely delicious--added an extra 1/2 cup of the cheddar. A "keeper."

Member 8504813

Dec 29, 2013

Made this with leftover rotisserie chicken and a few improvised ingredients. Turned out very well both my wife and 12 year old nephew enjoyed this dish. Next time I will try a few more veggies with the chicken.

Moosie2

Dec 28, 2013

beachsquirrel: I would like to know how this came out for you using the half and half. I am lactose intolerant so cannot use the cream soups but I can get lactose-free half and half now and just wondered if the casserole would be too juicy using that instead of the cream soup. Did you add something like corn starch or tapioca to thicken it? Thanks for replying if you can.

beachsquirrel 8716971

Dec 12, 2013

This sounded pretty tasty at first glance-until I got to the cream of nasty soup. I will substitute an equal amount of half and half or milk. Then it should be good to go!

bojigal1 6991153

Jun 25, 2013

Very easy & tasty. I used cream/mushroom soup with roasted garlic(no chicken soup on hand. Also added some diced onion. Since there are no seasonings(other than salt in the onion rings, I add (garlic) pepper, a whisper/sprinkle of garlic powder and some dashes of Cavender's Salt-Free Greek Seasoning. Absolutely perfect and ooohhhh sooo good!

rmcowan

Jun 24, 2013

I have almost this same recipe - it's called Almond Chicken Casserole. But it doesn't have any cheddar cheese. We just had it tonight for dinner, and love it. Usually when I make it, I put it in 2 -- 8 inch square pans and freeze one for another dinner, since it's just hubby & me.

paigewahl 0448316

Jun 11, 2013

I followed the recipe and my daughter and I loved it

vledford 4942037

Jun 08, 2013

I like Mr. Food receipes, use common ingredients I already have on hand

dianelindsey44 0633542

May 22, 2013

what is taking away from this recipe is the sour cream. I use a cup of mayo and 2 cans of cream of chicken soup in mine. flavor full. sour cream can cut down the flavor in baking be careful.

Currentview

Jun 10, 2013

I agree about the sour cream... I use the 1 cream of chicken soup and add a can of cream of mushroom or celery (if I don't have any celery on hand).

whosyournana 9622226

May 20, 2013

wow, super tasty, creamy and easy dish to impress company!!

DeepCreekDiva

May 20, 2013

I saw this around lunch time and knew I had most of the ingredients so decided to give it a try. I don't like celery so I used celery seeds and I didn't have almonds. (Who keeps them hanging around their kitchen?) I did add some of the onions to the chicken mixture for more flavor and it turned out delicious! This is a perfect recipe to resize for more or less servings.

whosyournana 9622226

May 20, 2013

I saut the celery 2 or 3 minutes, to make them more tender.

livingstonerrol50 3280887

Oct 17, 2012

omg

randkh 5165922

Oct 16, 2012

I would possibly robust it up by adding some country style hashbrown and a veggie to the mix also, maybe broccoli for color.

df10 8599884

Aug 03, 2012

When I got ready to put the onions on they tasted old so I omitted them -- Must have made a lot of difference cause my husband had about 2 bites and that was it ! not enough flavor.

katy deb

Jul 31, 2012

I made this last night for our Bible Study Group, and 5 people asked me for the recipe. It is delicious. I didn't have any almonds, and I AM in Texas, so I had some leftover toasted pecans and used those instead. I really think it added to the flavor level. Will definitely be making this again.

suzqdogluvr 0907630

Jul 12, 2012

Please don't comment about how good it sounds. I want to read comments from people that have actually made it according to the directions in the recipe.

suecowan 3191802

Jun 04, 2012

This sounds great. Will try for sure!!!

dowden62 6049781

May 04, 2012

Yummy!! Both my husband and I loved it! Only change was that I added one chopped onion to it!

margeqc 7958089

Mar 31, 2012

This was sooooo good , left out the water chestnuts and almonds(don't like them.)

gubby420 4191020

Mar 07, 2012

Oh, I also made it with thawed frozen hash brown potatoes on the bottom. I put them in the pan first and added the chicken mixture on top. I probably added an extra 15 min. of bake time.

gubby420 4191020

Mar 07, 2012

I LOVED this recipe! I left out the almonds to suit my boyfriends tastes and he still hated it. It nearly caused a fight because I can't understand how he would not like something so creamy and comforting. I ate it for 3 days straight and loved every serving of it. It was really good reheated. I used "Fresh Gourmet" brand garlic pepper flavored onion rings. You have to try them. I would totally recommend keeping the water chestnuts in the recipe, they add a great crunch. I'll still make this just for me, but freeze half of it into individual portions. My boyfriend can eat hotdogs those nights!

susan0229

Feb 06, 2012

This is so good. My family asks for it all the time! Thanks Mr. Food!

fairbornmaggiemae

Jan 28, 2012

sounds yummy to me...how about putting this into a pie shell and bake it that way?

v0riojr40 7818122

Jan 11, 2012

Sounds easy and inexpensive. I like it.

dlita13 5413221

Jan 09, 2012

I agree on the e-mail to friends! Please add it. I don't do facebook or tweets, and my friends love it when I think one of your recipes is worth a try - like this one!

DRUST

Jan 19, 2012

Just click on the "Share" button. A menu will drop down which gives you an email option.

cher88

Jan 07, 2012

I replaced the water chestnuts with sliced carrots, and topped it with cheese and onions on top :))

dicarlson76 0492902

Nov 29, 2011

I didnt like the mayo in it..Might try it again without it. sounded better than it tasted.

lorij64

Feb 27, 2018

I made it with the mayo. It ruined the dish. May use a can of cream of mushroom to replace the mayo. I made this last night and have to toss the leftovers. What a shame!

sadkins 1277017

Sep 27, 2011

This is my new favorite recipe!! It is delicious and easy! Have passed along to friends and they loved it too!!

Chef 1012652

Sep 24, 2011

I do wish you had a send to friend e-mail along with twitter and facebook!! I like to send recipes but not"share" on fb! Thanks I love your site!

LadyLizz

Sep 24, 2011

Have noit been able to watch videos for recipes as offered on this site. Quite disappointing... Ms. Lizz

hugs1558 7422149

Sep 05, 2011

My husband, who usually criticizes my cooking, said this recipe is a keeper! It was easy to make and tastes great! Good for a potluck too!

shaheedagordon 4975257

Sep 05, 2011

Would it make a big difference if I leave the chestnuts out of this dish?

mary hlav

Mar 10, 2012

The water chestnuts don't add flavor but texture...you know, that crunch.

katy deb

Jul 31, 2012

You can just add more celery instead. Water chestnuts don't have much flavor, but the dish needs the crunch of one or the other.

bernietodd1949 2906761

Sep 02, 2011

it looks like a delicous dinner i am looking forward to trying it love Mr. Food

katymarley 7001915

Aug 31, 2011

can't wait to try it!!!

vhindel

Aug 31, 2011

This was great -- but next time I will leave out the almonds; really didn't like them much.

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