Indulge in the comforting flavors of Almond Chicken Casserole, a classic dish that combines tender cooked chicken with a creamy and flavorful mixture, all topped with a delightful crunch of almonds and cornflakes. This casserole is the perfect balance of rich and creamy textures, savory ingredients, and a touch of nuttiness that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.

Almond Chicken Casserole is a beloved dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. Its roots can be traced back to the mid-20th century, where classic comfort foods and casseroles gained popularity in American cuisine. This casserole was born out of the desire to create a delicious and satisfying meal using simple and readily available ingredients.

The combination of cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise creates a creamy and velvety base that coats every morsel of chicken and other flavorful additions. The addition of celery, hard-boiled eggs, mushrooms, water chestnuts, onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper adds depth and texture to the casserole, creating a medley of flavors that harmonize beautifully.

To add a delightful crunch and a touch of nuttiness, the casserole is topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crushed cornflakes, and sliced almonds. The cheese melts and creates a golden and gooey layer, while the cornflakes and almonds toast in the oven, providing a satisfying texture contrast to the creamy filling.

This versatile casserole can be served as a main course for a comforting family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks and gatherings. It has stood the test of time due to its simplicity, comforting flavors, and the ability to please even the pickiest eaters.

PREP: 15 MIN.

BAKE: 25 MIN.

MAKES: 6-8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 1 can (10¾ ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
• 1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
• 1 can (8 ounces) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crushed cornflakes
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ cup sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed cooked chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped celery, hard-cooked eggs, drained mushrooms, chopped water chestnuts, finely chopped onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
2. Transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
4. In a separate bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes over the cheese layer.
5. Finally, sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top.
6. Bake the casserole, uncovered, at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and the topping is golden and crispy.
7. Serve the Almond Chicken Casserole hot and enjoy its creamy, flavorful goodness.

VARIATION:

• Cashew Chicken Casserole: For a twist on the classic recipe, you can create a Cashew Chicken Casserole by making a few ingredient substitutions. Substitute shredded Swiss cheese for the cheddar, crushed butter-flavored crackers for the cornflakes, and coarsely chopped cashews for the almonds. These substitutions will give the casserole a unique flavor profile while maintaining the comforting and satisfying qualities of the original recipe.

Enjoy the Almond Chicken Casserole or get creative with the cashew variation, and savor the timeless flavors that have made this dish a beloved classic for generations.