Chicken How-So
A savory chicken dish with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and vegetables in a flavorful sauce, perfect for a quick family dinner or entertaining guests with Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 can golden mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 beef bouillon cube ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. poppy seed ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) bamboo shoots, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced onion ⓘ
- 1 can (3 oz.) sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. dry white wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
- In a skillet, brown chicken in margarine or butter until golden brown.
- Stir in soup, water, bouillon cube, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, curry powder, and poppy seed; mix well.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add bamboo shoots, sliced celery, sliced onion, and drained mushrooms.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Stir in green pepper strips and white wine.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve over chow mein noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or ginger while browning the chicken. If you don't have golden mushroom soup, cream of mushroom or chicken soup can work as substitutes. You can also swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. Adjust the spice levels by adding more curry powder or incorporating chili flakes for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken How-So over chow mein noodles for a satisfying meal. It pairs nicely with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. For a complete dinner, consider serving with Chicken Egg Rolls for a delightful and traditional touch. Garnish with fresh herbs for added presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals until heated through, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken How-So contains roughly 480 calories, with 10g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2326mg per serving (101% 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 chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it first for even cooking. If using frozen, cook it a bit longer to ensure it's fully cooked through. Avoid adding the other ingredients until the chicken is browned and cooked adequately.
What can I use instead of bamboo shoots?
If you don't have bamboo shoots, water chestnuts or sliced bell peppers can be a great alternative for added crunch. Both options will complement the dish well and maintain the texture you desire.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To make this dish spicier, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce when incorporating the sauces. You can also include sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to enhance the heat level without overpowering 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).