The Ultimate Cashew Chicken Casserole with Crunchy Chow Mein Layers
This Cashew Chicken Casserole combines the familiar flavors of cashew chicken with the convenience of a baked dish, adding crunchy toppings and a creamy, savory filling that’s sure to make this a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery about 1 bunch celery
- 1 cup diced carrots, optional
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or substitute with olive oil
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 4 cups cooked boneless chicken breast halves cut into bite size pieces (or rotisserie chicken)
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup or substitute with cream of chicken soup for added flavor
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 large 5 oz can of chow mein noodles we used La Choy
- 1 cup unsalted cashew halves and pieces we used Planters, reserving some for topping
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions
Instructions
Sauté Vegetables:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large saucepan, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom (or cream of chicken) soup, chicken broth, and soy sauce. Add cooked rice and gently mix everything together.
Assemble Casserole:
- Grease a 9x13 casserole dish and spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Top with chow mein noodles and sprinkle cashews over the top, reserving some for after baking if desired.
Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown and the topping is crispy.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from oven, garnish with extra cashews and sliced green onions if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
Substitutions:
-
- Butter/Oil: The unsalted butter can be substituted with olive oil for a slightly lighter taste.
- Soup: You can use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom for a richer, chicken-forward flavor.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a quick substitute for cooked chicken breast if you’re short on time.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This casserole can be assembled up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.