Chicken And Filling
A hearty and versatile dish featuring tender shredded chicken combined with seasoned bread cubes and vegetables, then baked to perfection. Its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, offering a satisfying meal with optional broth for gravy enhancement.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cooked or baked deboned chicken with bread cubes, chopped onions, grated carrots (if using), diced celery (if using), salt, pepper, paprika, and broth.
- Put the mixture in a roasting pan or baking dish.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour.
- Save the remaining broth to make gravy to serve on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using day-old bread for the cubes, as it absorbs the broth better. You can substitute the chicken with turkey for a holiday twist or use vegetable broth and mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Feel free to enhance the dish with herbs like thyme or sage, which complement the chicken well. A pinch of nutmeg can also elevate the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For a comforting touch, serve it with a generous ladle of the gravy made from the saved broth. Consider also serving it alongside mashed potatoes or a warm bread roll to soak up any leftover sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. You may also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring they're heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Filling contains roughly 126 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (120% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2107mg per serving (92% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
While it's possible to use raw chicken, it will require adjustments to the cooking time. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through by testing with a meat thermometer, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For best results, stick with pre-cooked chicken to maintain the dish's texture.
What can I substitute for bread cubes?
If you're looking for gluten-free options, consider using gluten-free bread or even cubed cornbread. Alternatively, cooked rice or quinoa can serve as a base, though the texture will differ. Just ensure you adjust the liquid accordingly to avoid a soggy mixture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just remember to add a bit more broth before baking if it seems dry. Allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven for even cooking.
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).