Cashew Chicken Casserole
To make this ahead of time, place everything in the casserole dish except cashews and chow mein noodles, then store in the fridge. Add toppings right before baking and cook for a total of 30 minutes.
To make this ahead of time, place everything in the casserole dish except cashews and chow mein noodles, then store in the fridge. Add toppings right before baking and cook for a total of 30 minutes.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup chow mein noodles
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 2 cups peppers (chopped (i prefer red orange, and yellow any color combo works just fine))
- 2 10 ounce cans cream of mushroom soup*
- 4 cups cooked chicken (cubed (~12 chicken tenders))
- 1 cup mushrooms (quartered*)
- 6 drops hot sauce
- 2/3 cup cashews (halves)
- Carbohydrate 28.5356966314812 g
- Cholesterol 84.2924479199369 mg
- Fat 26.219317730656 g
- Fiber 2.76379875170536 g
- Protein 23.7715927740417 g
- Saturated Fat 7.38166492859234 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (242g)
- Sodium 211.407043071986 mg
- Sugar 25.7718978797759 g
- Trans Fat 1.92930245714968 g
- Calories 443 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet, melt butter and saute onions and celery until onions are tender.
- Add peppers, soup, and chicken broth and simmer 5 minutes.
- Mix in the chicken, mushrooms, soy sauce, and hot sauce and simmer 5 more minutes.
- Grease a 2.5 quart dish (or 9x13 inch) and press cooked rice into the bottom of the dish.
- Pour the chicken mixture on top.
- Sprinkle chow mein noodles and cashews on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F.
My Go-To Weeknight Wonder: Cashew Chicken Casserole
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. That's why this Cashew Chicken Casserole has become a staple in my weeknight rotation. It's a lifesaver on those evenings when I’m juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the ever-present mountain of laundry. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. I can easily prep it ahead of time, storing it in the fridge until I'm ready to pop it in the oven. This eliminates the stress of last-minute cooking chaos on a busy weeknight. The result? A satisfying, flavorful meal that the whole family enjoys, without sacrificing precious time.
The recipe itself is a delightful blend of savory and sweet. The tender chicken, combined with the earthy mushrooms and the satisfying crunch of cashews and chow mein noodles, creates a texture that's both exciting and comforting. The cream of mushroom soup provides a rich, creamy base, while the soy sauce and hot sauce add a delightful savory kick. The subtle sweetness of the peppers complements the overall flavor profile perfectly. I often adapt the recipe to suit whatever vegetables I have on hand. Sometimes I add extra carrots or zucchini, depending on what's fresh and in season. The adaptability is a huge plus in my book – it makes meal planning so much easier.
What truly sets this casserole apart isn't just its taste, but its convenience. On those particularly hectic days, I often double the recipe and freeze half of it for another night. This future-proofing is essential for a busy lifestyle. The process of freezing and reheating is straightforward, maintaining the delicious flavor and texture. I love the feeling of knowing that I have a ready-made meal tucked away in the freezer for those times when I simply don't have the energy to cook from scratch. It’s a game changer for maintaining a healthy, delicious, and stress-free dinner routine. Beyond the convenience, this dish offers a great opportunity to involve my kids in the cooking process. Simple tasks like stirring ingredients or sprinkling the toppings are perfect for little hands, making dinnertime a fun and engaging family activity. And the best part? Clean-up is a breeze – everything goes into one dish! It's the perfect balance of ease, flavor, and family fun that I crave on a weeknight.
This Cashew Chicken Casserole isn't just a meal; it's a testament to the power of smart planning and simple ingredients that yield extraordinary results. It's a recipe that I’ve treasured and adapted over the years, transforming it into a consistent source of comfort and deliciousness in our busy household. I highly recommend it to any busy mom, or anyone who appreciates a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious meal that's always a crowd-pleaser. So, the next time you find yourself scrambling for dinner ideas, remember this recipe – it's a true weeknight winner!
