Chicken Feed
Chicken Feed is a hearty, comforting casserole that combines tender leftover chicken with mushrooms, onions, and savory gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture that appeals to lovers of rustic, home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté the sliced onion, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme in margarine until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the cubed leftover chicken or turkey, leftover gravy, crushed chicken bouillon cube, a dash of pepper, and remaining thyme.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mixing in some sour cream or cream cheese with the mashed potatoes. If you're out of leftover gravy, a homemade sauce with chicken broth and a bit of flour can work well. Feel free to add vegetables like peas or corn to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes that feature comfort foods.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of steamed green beans or a simple garden salad for a balanced meal. For a twist, consider pairing it with Stuffed Baked Potatoes-Chicken (Low-Fat And Cholesterol) for a filling and satisfying dinner. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving can add a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Feed contains roughly 299 calories, with 10g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (272% of the Daily Value), iron (119% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh chicken instead of leftover chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh cooked chicken. Simply cook the chicken beforehand, then cube it and follow the recipe as directed. This may require additional cooking time for the dish to heat through.
What can I do if I don't have gravy?
If you don't have leftover gravy, you can make a quick substitute using chicken broth, a bit of butter, and flour to thicken it. This will give you a similar consistency and flavor profile for the dish.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This is a great way to prepare meals in advance.
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).