Chicken In Crumb Basket
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken topped with a crunchy bread crumb basket, complemented by a creamy peas and chicken filling. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a savory blend of flavors with a crispy top and hearty interior.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine bread crumbs with minced onion, celery salt, and melted margarine.
- Line a large casserole or 9 x 13-inch pan with the crumb mixture.
- Press the mixture in place and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Melt the remaining margarine in a saucepan; blend in flour.
- Add milk, chicken broth, and salt; cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Stir in cooked peas and chicken.
- Serve the filling inside the crumb basket.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the margarine with olive oil. If you don't have chicken broth, use vegetable broth instead for a vegetarian option. To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the filling. If you prefer a crunchier texture, toast the bread crumbs slightly before use.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken In Crumb Basket with a side salad, such as Crisp Chicken Salad, for a refreshing contrast. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a light soup for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for family gatherings and can be garnished with fresh herbs for added color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crumb basket in an oven preheated to 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In Crumb Basket contains roughly 313 calories, with 7g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crumb basket and filling in advance. Just assemble the dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when you're ready to serve for the best results.
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).