3 Hour Chicken
A hearty, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts layered with dried beef and creamy celery soup, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place dried beef in a layer in a cake pan.
- Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the dried beef.
- Pour the cream of celery soup over the chicken and dried beef.
- Add one can of water over the mixture.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using cream of chicken soup instead of cream of celery. If you want a bit more texture, add some chopped onions or mushrooms to the mixture. You can also substitute the dried beef with prosciutto for a different taste. Be sure to check the chicken for doneness before serving; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions
Serve the 3 Hour Chicken over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad make excellent side dishes that balance the richness of the dish. This recipe pairs beautifully with Quick Beet Borscht for a vibrant meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 3 Hour Chicken contains roughly 235 calories, with 5g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 783mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It's best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If you only have frozen breasts, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before preparing the dish. Cooking from frozen may require additional baking time, which could affect the texture of the chicken.
What can I do if I don't have cream of celery soup?
If cream of celery soup isn't available, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using heavy cream, sautéed celery, and spices. This will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the soup mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking. Adjust the amount to your taste for a customized spiciness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).