From book 101 Things to do with a Casserole
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 2 cups chicken cooked
- 8 ounce pineapple crushed with liquid (i use more than 8 oz
- 1 cup rice cooked
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (6 oz) water chestnuts i don't use these
- 2 cups bread crumbs don't use instant chicken stuffing mix. probably the best is to use real bread
- Carbohydrate 52.3566564270155 g
- Cholesterol 71.8438541776385 mg
- Fat 31.5936905450897 g
- Fiber 2.2570616214128 g
- Protein 21.185160454673 g
- Saturated Fat 7.61820963069244 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (276g)
- Sodium 1313.30466055426 mg
- Sugar 50.0995948056027 g
- Trans Fat 2.93235456967812 g
- Calories 578 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except breadcrumbs (that instant chicken stuffing works good) and butter.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.
- Combine breadcrumbs and butter: sprinkle over top of chicken mixture.
- Bake 30-45 minutes.
Standard measurements on a recipe card rarely reveal how components interact under thermal stress. Celery retains high water content, meaning chopped stalks release moisture directly into the surrounding mayonnaise and mushroom soup emulsion during baking. Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly through a fine-mesh sieve if a firmer interior structure is desired, preventing excess fruit juice from diluting the dairy binder. Real bread crumbs yield superior crunch compared to processed stuffing mixes, absorbing melted butter evenly when tossed prior to topping.
Managing Ingredient Swaps and Moisture Content
Mayonnaise functions primarily as a fat and emulsifier here, mirroring the role of oil and eggs in traditional sauces. Substitutions alter viscosity significantly. Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream provide similar tang but curdle faster when exposed to sustained oven heat above 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Water chestnuts add distinct crispness; omitting them requires increasing chopped celery by half a cup to maintain textural contrast against soft cooked rice and tender chicken chunks.
Timing and Sequencing in the Kitchen
Preheating the 9x13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish for ten minutes before assembling ingredients accelerates initial heat penetration. Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch for bubbling edges and a golden-brown breadcrumb crust as final visual cues of doneness. Let the casserole rest for ten minutes off the heat before serving to allow starches in the rice and soup base to set fully.
