Chicken Mousse
A delicate chicken mousse with tender shredded chicken, flavorful broth, and savory olives, perfect for elegant appetizers or light servings for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. whole fryer chicken ⓘ
- 1 1/2 qt. water
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- celery leaves ⓘ
- a couple sprigs parsley ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 1 envelope Knox gelatine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. grated onion ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped celery
- 1 Tbsp. chopped stuffed olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove excess fat from the whole fryer chicken.
- Cook the chicken in 1 1/2 quarts of water with garlic, bay leaves, celery leaves, parsley, and salt.
- Add white pepper about halfway through cooking.
- When the chicken is cooked, remove from broth and let it cool.
- Strain the broth and refrigerate until the fat congeals on top.
- Remove the skin, bones, and any unwanted parts from the chicken meat.
- Refrigerate the cooked chicken.
- Dissolve Knox gelatine in a portion of chicken broth and heat gently until fully dissolved.
- Combine the gelatine with the remaining chicken broth and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the shredded chicken, chopped celery, grated onion, and chopped stuffed olives into the cooled broth mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until firm, preferably overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the chicken is finely shredded before mixing it into the broth. If you want a punch of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the mixture. You can substitute the chicken with turkey for a variation, or use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter version. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken mousse chilled as an elegant appetizer or light lunch. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or toasted baguette slices. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Cheese Potatoes Supreme or fresh vegetable crudités for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the mousse's texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the mousse to separate. For longer storage, consider freezing the mousse for up to a month.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Mousse contains roughly 262 calories, with 14g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1052mg per serving (46% 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 chicken mousse ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken mousse is perfect for making in advance. It can be prepared a day or two before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly. Just ensure it is well-covered and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
What can I serve with chicken mousse?
Chicken mousse is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light salad, crusty bread, or even crackers for a delightful appetizer spread. It also complements dishes like Broccoli And Chicken Makeover or a side of roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.
Can I replace the gelatin in this recipe?
Yes, if you prefer to avoid gelatin, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative. Follow the package instructions for the correct amount to achieve a similar set. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but it will still yield a delicious result.
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).