Chicken A La Karen
Creamy, savory chicken casserole with stuffing, mushrooms, and almonds, perfect for family dinner. Rich flavors with a comforting texture, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. Stove Top San Francisco stuffing mix
- 1 stick margarine, melted
- 1 cooked chicken, deboned and diced (with celery leaves) ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock ⓘ
- 8 oz. can mushroom stems and pieces, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Blend melted margarine with stuffing mix and spread half in a greased baking dish.
- Combine all other ingredients except almonds; pour over the stuffing layer.
- Top with the remaining stuffing and sprinkle with slivered almonds.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using herb-infused chicken stock or a splash of white wine in the mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can also replace the canned mushroom soup with a homemade version for a fresher taste. Experiment with different nuts, like pecans or walnuts, instead of slivered almonds for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken A La Karen with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Jackie Collier'S Vegetable Casserole for a hearty dinner. Consider offering some crusty bread to soak up any sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat, as this may dry out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken A La Karen contains roughly 797 calories, with 13g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 949mg per serving (41% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this dish, saving you time on cooking and shredding. Just ensure it's deboned and diced, and you can mix it directly into the other ingredients for a quick and delicious meal.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken A La Karen a day in advance. Assemble the layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of roasted vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, and opt for a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup. This adaptation retains the robust flavors while catering to a vegetarian diet.
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).