Almond Chicken Francoise
Almond Chicken Francoise combines tender diced chicken, crunchy almonds, and a creamy yogurt sauce, layered with noodles and green beans for a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. wide noodles
- 9 oz. French-cut green beans ⓘ
- 1 cup plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the wide noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the French-cut green beans until tender, then drain well.
- In a bowl, mix plain yogurt, mayonnaise, dry white wine, parsley flakes, dill weed, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the sauce.
- In a 3-quart casserole dish, layer half of the noodles, green beans, cooked chicken, slivered almonds, Parmesan cheese, and yogurt mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker texture. If you prefer a lighter option, replace the mayonnaise with additional yogurt or a light vinaigrette. To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. This dish can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Almond Chicken Francoise with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Casserole for a comforting dinner. For a lighter option, consider a side of roasted asparagus or a simple cucumber salad. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Chicken Francoise contains roughly 514 calories, with 9g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1512mg per serving (66% 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 other types of nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, you can substitute slivered almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts, which will add a unique flavor. Just make sure to adjust the toasting time if you choose to toast them for added crunch.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, and use a plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise. This will keep the dish hearty and satisfying while catering to vegetarian diets.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
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).