The Crowd-Pleasing Overnight Chicken Casserole: A Feast for Fifty

There are certain dishes that, for me, conjure up immediate warmth and a sense of communal gathering. This Overnight Chicken Casserole is one of those culinary anchors. I remember one particularly blustery autumn afternoon, helping my aunt prepare for a massive family reunion – a gathering that spanned generations and felt like it stretched on for miles. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and the distant promise of woodsmoke. Amidst the cheerful chaos of cousins and aunts, she pulled out four enormous baking pans, their surfaces already promising comfort. The aroma that would eventually waft from the oven later was a symphony of creamy chicken, tender pasta, and savory vegetables, a comforting embrace that made everyone feel instantly at home, no matter how far they’d traveled. It’s a dish that truly understands the power of feeding a crowd with something deeply satisfying.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: Approximately 45 minutes (not including overnight refrigeration)
• Cook Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours (plus overnight refrigeration)
• Servings: 50
• Yield: 4 large casseroles (approx. 45-50 one-cup servings)
• Dietary Type: N/A

Ingredients

This recipe is designed to generously feed a crowd, so don’t be shy with the quantities! Each component plays a crucial role in building that deeply comforting flavor profile.

• 20 cups chicken, cooked and cubed: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here, or you can poach and shred chicken breasts or thighs.
• 2 lbs macaroni, cooked and drained: A classic elbow macaroni works beautifully, but feel free to use other short pasta shapes that hold their sauce well. Cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• 36 ounces canned sliced mushrooms, drained: Draining these well is key to preventing a watery casserole.
• 8 ounces diced pimentos, drained: These add a lovely pop of color and a subtle, sweet pepperiness.
• 2 large green peppers, chopped: Fresh, crisp green peppers bring a vibrant freshness to the rich filling.
• 2 large onions, chopped: Yellow or white onions will provide a savory base.
• 4 (10 ¾ ounce) cans cream of celery soup: This is the backbone of the creamy sauce, adding a smooth, savory depth.
• 4 (10 ¾ ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup: Complementing the celery soup, this adds another layer of earthy, umami richness.
• 2 lbs American cheese, cubed: American cheese melts beautifully and contributes to the signature gooey texture of this casserole.
• 1 ⅓ cups milk: This helps to bind the sauce and ensures a lusciously creamy consistency.
• 4 teaspoons dried basil: A classic herb that pairs wonderfully with chicken and creamy sauces.
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning: This adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness.
• 2 cups corn flakes, crushed: These will form a delightful, crispy topping.
• ¼ cup butter, melted: To bind the crushed corn flakes for that irresistible crunch.

Equipment Needed

For a recipe of this magnitude, a few essential pieces of equipment will make the process smoother:

• Four 9×13 inch baking pans (greased)
• Large mixing bowls (at least two for combining ingredients)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large spoon or spatula for mixing
• Aluminum foil
• Oven

Instructions

The beauty of this Overnight Chicken Casserole lies in its make-ahead nature. The overnight chill allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a truly superior casserole.

1. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cubed chicken, cooked and drained macaroni, drained sliced mushrooms, drained diced pimentos, chopped green peppers, and chopped onions. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.
2. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, cubed American cheese, milk, dried basil, and lemon pepper seasoning. Continue to stir until the cheese has begun to melt and the mixture is well combined.
3. Pour the soup and cheese mixture over the chicken and macaroni mixture in the first bowl. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated in the creamy sauce.
4. Divide the casserole mixture evenly among the four greased 9×13 inch baking pans. Aim for approximately 12 cups of mixture per pan, ensuring an even distribution of all components.
5. Cover the pans tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This crucial step allows the flavors to marry and the ingredients to absorb the sauce, creating a deeper, more complex taste.
6. When you are ready to bake, remove the casseroles from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before baking. This tempering period helps to prevent extreme temperature shock for the pans and allows for more even cooking.
7. In a small bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes and the melted butter. Stir until the corn flakes are evenly coated.
8. Sprinkle this buttered corn flake mixture evenly over the top of each chilled casserole.
9. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
10. Cover each pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
11. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the top of each casserole. Continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the corn flake topping is golden brown and crispy.
12. This recipe makes approximately 45 to 50 one-cup servings, making it ideal for large gatherings.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Ingredient Prep: For maximum efficiency, consider pre-chopping your vegetables a day in advance and storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Similarly, you can cook and cube your chicken ahead of time.
• Cheese Meltdown: If you find your cheese is stubbornly unmelted in the soup mixture, you can gently warm the soup base before adding the cheese. This will help it incorporate more smoothly.
• Corn Flake Crispiness: For an extra crunchy topping, you can toast the buttered corn flakes for a few minutes in a separate pan before sprinkling them on the casserole. Just be sure to watch them closely as they can burn quickly.
• Pan Size Matters: While 9×13 inch pans are specified, ensure they are not overflowing once filled. You want enough room for the casserole to bubble up without spilling over during baking. If your mixture seems slightly more abundant, two slightly deeper pans might be a better choice.
• Oven Variability: Ovens can vary in temperature. If you notice your casserole is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the final baking stage. Conversely, if it’s not bubbling sufficiently, a few extra minutes uncovered might be needed.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Overnight Chicken Casserole is a star on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad for a balanced meal. A side of steamed green beans or a light, crusty bread would also be excellent accompaniments.

To serve: Allow the casseroles to rest for about 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven. This helps the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions.

Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat: You can reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat a larger portion in a covered oven-safe dish at 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth to the casserole before reheating to ensure it stays moist.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	191.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	8.5 g	13%
Saturated Fat	4.2 g	21%
Cholesterol	17.7 mg	5%
Sodium	538.2 mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	21.6 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	5%
Sugars	2 g	8%
Protein	7.8 g	15%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a beloved classic, feel free to experiment!

• For a Gluten-Free Option: Utilize gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream of mushroom/celery soup alternative. Ensure your American cheese is also gluten-free.
• Herb Variations: If basil isn’t your favorite, consider adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or a pinch of nutmeg to the soup mixture for a different aromatic profile.
• Vegetable Additions: Finely diced carrots or peas can be added to the initial chicken mixture for an extra boost of vegetables.
• Cheese Swaps: While American cheese provides that signature melt, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack could also be used for a slightly different flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze this casserole before baking?
A: Yes, you can absolutely freeze the unbaked casserole. Ensure it’s well-covered and frozen. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with the recipe instructions, allowing the extra 30 minutes for tempering.

Q: What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
A: Cooked chicken breast or thigh meat works well. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option.

Q: My corn flake topping isn’t crispy enough, what can I do?
A: Ensure you’re using a generous amount of melted butter to coat the corn flakes. Also, make sure to remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking to allow the topping to brown and crisp up.

Q: Can I make this without mushrooms?
A: While mushrooms add a lovely depth, you can omit them if they are not preferred. You might consider adding a bit more green pepper or some finely diced celery to compensate for the texture and flavor.

Q: How do I ensure the macaroni is cooked properly?
A: Cook the macaroni to an al dente stage, as it will continue to soften in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the final casserole.

Final Thoughts

There’s an inherent joy in preparing a dish that brings so many people together, and this Overnight Chicken Casserole is a testament to that. Its comforting flavors and the ease of its make-ahead preparation make it a go-to for any large gathering. Gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and look forward to the delighted smiles and satisfied murmurs that will undoubtedly fill the room. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and any variations you discover – the culinary world is always richer with shared experiences!