Chicken Primavera
Chicken Primavera offers a creamy and flavorful blend of tender chicken breasts, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce, all cooked quickly in the microwave. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish pairs beautifully with hot cooked rice for a satisfying and wholesome meal that highlights fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart casserole dish, blend the can of cream of celery or chicken soup, mayonnaise, and paprika.
- Stir in the skinned, split, and boned chicken breasts and the sliced vegetables.
- Cover the dish.
- Microwave on High for 10 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink, turning once during cooking.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Stir before serving.
- Serve over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider replacing the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. You can also use any variety of vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or carrots. If you prefer a bit of crunch, add some toasted almonds or sunflower seeds before serving. This dish can also be adapted into a pasta salad by tossing in cooked pasta instead of rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Primavera over a bed of hot cooked rice for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or some crusty bread on the side. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken, Stuffing, Broccoli Casserole for a satisfying dinner spread. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can also enhance the flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold, similar to Cold Chicken Soup.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Primavera contains roughly 375 calories, with 26g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 979mg per serving (43% 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 vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture. This can save time and still provide great flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Alternatively, you can add sliced jalapeños or use spicy paprika instead of regular paprika for an extra kick.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken or celery soup to maintain the creamy texture.
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).