Almond Chicken Bake
A savory chicken and almond bake with cheesy, crunchy textures and a hint of lemon and oregano, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Kraft sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked and chopped chicken ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups diced celery ⓘ
- 2/3 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- pastry for 2-crust 9-inch pie ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 460°F (238°C).
- Toss 3/4 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese with flour.
- Mix the cheese-flour mixture with cooked and chopped chicken, diced celery, 1/3 cup slivered almonds, mayonnaise, lemon juice, crushed oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare a 2-crust 9-inch pie pastry in a pie dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture into the pie crust and top with remaining cheese and almonds as desired.
- Cover with the second pie crust, seal edges, and cut a few slits on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the chicken mixture. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. If you're short on time, using rotisserie chicken can speed up the preparation. Remember to adjust the salt if your cheese is particularly salty. This recipe is a variation of classic American recipes featuring chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Almond Chicken Bake with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Cheesy Chicken Bake for a comforting dinner spread. Consider serving with a side of crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce, making it a perfect family meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Almond Chicken Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will keep the crust crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Chicken Bake contains roughly 499 calories, with 20g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (88% of the Daily Value), calcium (84% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 957mg per serving (42% 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 different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the sharp Cheddar cheese with other varieties like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can add complexity to the dish. Just ensure they melt well to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the pie a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting it in the oven for even cooking.
What can I serve with Almond Chicken Bake?
This dish pairs well with a light salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob. These sides complement the richness of the chicken bake.
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).