Andrew'S Party Chicken
A comforting chicken and broccoli bake with marinara, cheeses, and herbs, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering rich flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, halved and skinned ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup long grain white rice ⓘ
- 4 cups marinara sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 cups grated Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 4 cups cooked chicken ⓘ
- 10 ounces cooked broccoli ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- Paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Arrange cooked chicken or turkey in a baking dish and top with cooked broccoli.
- If fresh broccoli is used, separate it into florets.
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise in a saucepan and gradually blend in broth and milk.
- Stir constantly over low heat until thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with paprika and dill weed.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using a combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or use a plant-based protein. Fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance the flavor profile. This recipe pairs nicely with Baked Or Grilled Chicken for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top just before serving adds a lovely finishing touch. This hearty recipe is perfect for family gatherings and pairs beautifully with Chicken And Rice (Heritage Recipe) for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and broccoli in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Andrew'S Party Chicken contains roughly 3271 calories, with 117g protein, 543g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (296% of the Daily Value), protein (235% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used as a convenient alternative. Just ensure it is fully thawed and drained of excess water before adding it to the baking dish. This helps prevent the dish from becoming watery during cooking.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella on hand, you can replace it with shredded provolone, gouda, or a dairy-free cheese alternative if you're looking for a non-dairy option. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture but will still be delicious.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Additionally, ensure that your chicken broth and any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
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).