Easy Chicken Chow Mein Casserole: A Flavorful, Quick Weeknight Meal
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy and flavor-packed **Chicken Chow Mein Casserole**! This delightful hot dish combines tender chicken, a medley of crisp-tender vegetables, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce, all crowned with delightfully crunchy chow mein noodles. It’s a complete meal in one pan, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Simple to assemble and bursting with Asian-inspired flavors, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Why This Easy Chicken Chow Mein Casserole Recipe Works
This **Asian-inspired casserole** is a brilliant fusion of classic comfort food and vibrant Eastern flavors, making it an incredibly reliable and enjoyable dish. Its simplicity is a huge selling point, particularly for those hectic evenings. The magic begins with quickly sautéing fresh vegetables to a perfect crisp-tender texture, building a foundational layer of flavor. Next, a thick, rich, and wonderfully comforting sauce is whisked together using pantry staples like condensed cream of chicken soup, savory soy sauce, and creamy milk. This creates a deeply satisfying base that perfectly coats the other ingredients.
What truly sets this casserole apart is its ease of assembly. All the components – the sautéed veggies, the luscious sauce, cooked chicken, and rice – are combined in a large skillet, then transferred into a casserole dish. A final flourish of crunchy chow mein noodles transforms it into a textural masterpiece. Baking until hot and bubbly ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully, while the noodles on top become irresistibly golden and crisp. This recipe works because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, offering a delightful twist on traditional chow mein in a convenient, hearty casserole format that the whole family will love.
Key Ingredients for Your Chicken Chow Mein Casserole
Crafting this delicious **Chicken Chow Mein Casserole** requires a straightforward list of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. We’ll combine fresh, vibrant vegetables with tender chicken and a creamy, savory sauce base, all finished with the signature crunch of chow mein noodles. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing for various substitutions to suit your taste and what you have on hand. Be sure to scroll down to the end of this post for the complete printable recipe, including precise measurements and detailed instructions.
Ingredient Information and Smart Substitution Suggestions
This **Chicken Chow Mein Casserole** is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to easily adapt it based on what you have and your personal preferences. Here’s a deeper dive into the ingredients and some helpful substitution tips:
CHICKEN – The convenience factor is high here! You can absolutely use **leftover chicken** from a previous meal, a store-bought **rotisserie chicken** for quick prep, or even **leftover turkey** from a holiday feast. If you’re starting from scratch, simply boil or bake a few chicken breasts or thighs and then chop or shred them. For a delightful variation, consider using cooked pork instead of chicken, which also pairs beautifully with the Asian-inspired flavors.
CREAMY BASE (ADDITIONS) – The heart of our creamy sauce comes from **condensed cream of chicken soup**. If you don’t have any on hand, don’t fret! You can easily make your own homemade cream of chicken soup, or substitute with **condensed cream of mushroom soup** for a slightly earthier flavor profile. To truly enhance the mushroom notes, you can add 8 ounces of sliced button mushrooms to your skillet when sautéing the celery and other vegetables. This will give the casserole an even richer umami depth.
RICE – Cooked rice forms the satisfying foundation of this casserole. While **leftover rice** is a fantastic time-saver, preparing fresh rice is simple. Generally, 1 cup of uncooked rice will yield approximately 3 cups of cooked rice. Feel free to use white rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice for a whole-grain option, just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the mixture.
VEGETABLES – Our recipe calls for celery, carrots, red bell pepper, and onion, along with garlic, which provide color, texture, and essential flavors. Don’t hesitate to get creative with other vegetables. **Broccoli florets**, sliced **water chestnuts**, or even shredded cabbage would make excellent additions. If you love a variety of textures, consider adding snap peas or snow peas for a vibrant green crunch. For a nuttier flavor, a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or cashews mixed in or on top can be a great touch.
NOODLES – The signature crunch of **chow mein noodles** is a highlight. If these are hard to find, **ramen noodles** (without the seasoning packet) or dried egg noodles can be used as alternatives. For an extra layer of crispness, you could even try briefly toasting the chow mein noodles in a dry pan before adding them to the top of the casserole.
SEASONING & SPICE – Soy sauce and black pepper are key to the savory profile. For an even more authentic Asian twist, consider adding a dash of ginger powder or a hint of five-spice powder to your sauce. To make this casserole spicy, generously add up to 1 teaspoon of **crushed red pepper flakes** (or more, if you dare!) along with the other seasonings. A drizzle of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce mixed into individual servings can also provide a customizable kick.
How to Make Delicious Chicken Chow Mein Casserole: Step-by-Step
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this incredibly tasty **Chicken Chow Mein Casserole**. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with exact measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- **Prepare Your Oven and Dish:** Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the inside of a standard 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This initial step is crucial for even baking.
- **Sauté the Vegetables:** In a large, deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the sliced celery, julienned carrots, chopped red bell pepper, and diced onion. Increase the heat to high and cook, stirring constantly for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to begin softening and become slightly tender-crisp, not fully mushy, retaining some of their vibrant color and texture.
- **Infuse with Garlic:** Reduce the heat back to medium. Add the crushed garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously. This brief cooking time is perfect for releasing the garlic’s aromatic oils without burning it, which can turn bitter.
- **Whisk the Creamy Sauce:** Now, it’s time to build the rich, savory sauce. Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. This forms the luscious, Asian-inspired base for your casserole.
- **Combine Chicken and Rice:** Fold in the cooked and chopped chicken and the cooked rice into the sauce and vegetable mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and well distributed throughout the creamy sauce.
- **Assemble the Casserole:** Transfer the entire mixture from the skillet into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, take your chow mein noodles and sprinkle them generously and evenly over the top of the casserole. The noodles will become wonderfully crispy during baking. Finally, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps the casserole heat through without over-browning the noodles too early.
- **Bake to Perfection:** Place the covered casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly heated through and bubbling around the edges. For an extra crispy noodle topping, you can remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- **Garnish and Serve:** Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. For an extra touch of freshness and color, serve immediately, topped with freshly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of minced red bell pepper. Enjoy your homemade **Chicken Chow Mein Casserole**!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Chicken Chow Mein Casserole
To maintain freshness and flavor, store any leftover **Chicken Chow Mein Casserole** in an air-tight container. Kept in the refrigerator, it will last for 3-4 days. It’s important to note that the crunchy chow mein noodles on top may soften slightly the longer the casserole sits. For best texture, you can add fresh noodles upon reheating individual portions or bake uncovered for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Yes, you can certainly assemble most of the **Chicken Chow Mein Casserole** in advance! Prepare the chicken, sauté the vegetables, and mix the sauce, chicken, and rice. Transfer this mixture to your casserole dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the chow mein noodles, cover with foil, and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold from the fridge.
While the casserole base (chicken, rice, veggies, sauce) freezes well, the chow mein noodles will lose their crunch significantly after freezing and thawing. If you plan to freeze, assemble the casserole without the top layer of noodles. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding fresh chow mein noodles for the last 30 minutes of baking for optimal crispiness.
- **Don’t Overcook Veggies:** When sautéing the vegetables, aim for tender-crisp. They will continue to cook in the oven, and you want them to retain some bite for texture.
- **Adjust Soy Sauce:** Soy sauce varies in sodium content. Taste your sauce before adding it to the chicken and rice, and adjust salt or soy sauce as needed. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option for controlling salt intake.
- **Crispy Noodles Trick:** For an extra crispy top, lightly toast the chow mein noodles in a dry skillet for a few minutes before sprinkling them over the casserole. This enhances their flavor and crunch.
- **Pre-Cooked Chicken is Key:** Utilizing leftover or rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver for this dish. It cuts down on prep significantly, making it truly a weeknight wonder.
- **Flavor Boost:** A teaspoon of grated fresh ginger added with the garlic can elevate the Asian flavors. A splash of sesame oil stirred into the sauce at the end also adds a wonderful aromatic touch.
Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Chow Mein Casserole
This **Chicken Chow Mein Casserole** is a fantastic stand-alone meal, incredibly filling and packed with flavor. However, it’s also a wonderfully versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete your dinner experience. Serve it warm straight from the oven, garnished with fresh sliced scallions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or extra minced red bell pepper for added color and a fresh bite.
For a lighter contrast, a crisp side salad with a ginger-sesame dressing would be perfect. You could also serve it alongside some crunchy vegetable spring rolls or steamed green beans tossed with a touch of garlic. For those who enjoy a little extra kick, a small dish of chili garlic sauce or sriracha on the side allows everyone to customize their spice level. Don’t forget, the flexibility of this casserole means you can also stir in additional ingredients like water chestnuts for crunch, bamboo shoots for an authentic touch, or a handful of fresh spinach for extra greens.
More Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try
If you loved the flavors of this Chicken Chow Mein Casserole, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our favorite Asian-inspired dishes that bring bold and vibrant tastes to your table, perfect for any night of the week.
- Asian Broccoli Slaw
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Vegetable Spring Rolls
- Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
- Egg Roll in a Bowl
More Comforting Casserole Recipes
Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food and a go-to for easy, satisfying family meals. If you enjoyed the convenience and heartiness of our Chicken Chow Mein Casserole, you’ll love diving into these other fantastic casserole creations.
- Broccoli Casserole
- 7 Layer Casserole
- John Wayne Casserole
- Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Tuna Casserole
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
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Chicken Chow Mein Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
American, Chinese
8
servings
55 minutes
577
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 ribs celery medium-large, sliced
- 3 carrots medium-large, peeled and julienned.
- 1 large red bell pepper deseeded and chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 21 oz condensed cream of chicken soup 2 – 10.5 oz cans
- 1 cup milk
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 cups chicken cooked and chopped
- 3 cup cooked rice 1 cup of uncooked rice will equal 3 cups cooked rice.
- 2 ½ cups chow mein noodles
Things You’ll Need
-
13×9 baking dish
-
Large skillet
Before You Begin: Important Notes & Tips
- You can use leftover rice; however, if you don’t have leftover rice, you can easily make it. You will need 1 cup of uncooked rice to get approximately 3 cups of cooked rice. Any type of rice (white, jasmine, brown) works well, just ensure it’s cooked.
- For the chicken, feel free to use pre-cooked chicken in any form: leftover chicken, store-bought rotisserie chicken, or even leftover turkey. This saves a lot of prep time.
- If you don’t have condensed cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with condensed cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, flavor. For an extra boost of mushroom flavor, consider adding 8 ounces of sliced button mushrooms when sautéing the other vegetables.
- To introduce a spicy kick, add up to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (or adjust to your preferred taste) along with the other seasonings in the sauce.
- If traditional chow mein noodles are unavailable, you can substitute them with crushed ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet) or dried egg noodles for a similar crunchy topping.
- For even crispier noodles, you can lightly toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the inside of a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Add the unsalted butter to a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the celery, carrot, red bell pepper, and onion. Turn the heat up to high and cook, stirring constantly, until the vegetables begin to soften and are tender-crisp, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
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Turn the heat back down to medium. Add the crushed garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning and to ensure its fragrant oils are released.
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Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir vigorously to combine all ingredients, creating a smooth, creamy, and flavorful sauce base.
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Gently stir in the cooked chicken and cooked rice until they are thoroughly coated with the sauce and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Transfer the entire chicken and rice mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, distribute the chow mein noodles uniformly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil.
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Bake the covered casserole in the preheated oven until it is warm throughout and bubbling gently around the edges, which typically takes about 30 minutes. For extra crispy noodles, you can remove the foil for the final 5-10 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent over-browning.
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Remove from oven and serve your delicious Chicken Chow Mein Casserole immediately. Garnish each serving with fresh sliced scallions and a sprinkle of minced red bell pepper for a vibrant finish.
Nutrition Information
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.