Chicken Or Turkey Fricassee
A comforting chicken or turkey fricassee featuring tender meat, savory broth, cheese, and crunchy crackers, perfect for family dinners and hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups bite-sized cooked meat (chicken or turkey) ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 4 cups broth (or 2 cans, 14 oz each, chicken broth) ⓘ
- 3 large eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups grated American or Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) box Ritz crackers, rolled fine ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chicken in salted water; cover until done.
- Bone and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Use leftover turkey in the same way.
- Remove fat from broth; measure broth to make 4 cups.
- Melt butter in a skillet; add onion and celery; sauté until onion is transparent.
- Combine chicken with onion and celery; add broth, beaten eggs, mushroom soup, grated cheese, crushed crackers, salt, and pepper.
- Put the mixture in a shallow 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven for about 1 hour or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. You can substitute the American or Cheddar cheese with Gruyère for a gourmet touch. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works well and saves cooking time. Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor. For a crunch, consider topping with crushed potato chips instead of Ritz crackers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fricassee with a side of crusty bread or over rice for a comforting meal. A fresh green salad pairs beautifully with this dish, balancing its richness. For an even heartier dinner, consider serving it alongside Melissa Holtman Stock's Cornbread Casserole. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Or Turkey Fricassee contains roughly 451 calories, with 10g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 832mg per serving (36% 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 or turkey for this fricassee?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken or turkey, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps retain moisture. If using frozen meat, consider simmering it in broth until fully cooked, then proceed with the recipe as written.
What can I substitute for mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use canned mushroom soup, you can make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, cream, and broth. Simply cook the mushrooms until browned, then stir in cream and broth until thickened. This will add a fresh flavor to your fricassee without sacrificing creaminess.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that the broth and mushroom soup are labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the fricassee without compromising dietary restrictions.
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).