Chicken, Rice And Peas Au Gratin
A comforting baked dish combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and peas in a creamy herb sauce, topped with Parmesan and breadcrumbs for a crispy finish, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Blend in flour and crumbled tarragon and cook for 1 minute without browning.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Fold in cooked diced or julienne chicken and season with salt and pepper; set aside.
- Spread cooked rice in a greased 6-cup shallow baking dish.
- Sprinkle frozen peas over the rice.
- Pour the creamed chicken mixture over the rice and peas.
- Dot the top with remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven until bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. You can substitute the chicken with leftover turkey for a quick meal. If you prefer a different flavor, try incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of tarragon. This dish also works well with cooked shrimp or ham, making it versatile for various protein options.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken, Rice and Peas Au Gratin pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a fun twist, consider serving alongside Easy Parmesan Chicken Breasts for a varied chicken dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken, Rice And Peas Au Gratin contains roughly 1464 calories, with 47g protein, 263g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (194% of the Daily Value), calcium (102% of the Daily Value), and protein (95% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2594mg per serving (113% 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 uncooked chicken for this recipe?
Using uncooked chicken isn't recommended, as it won't cook through in the baking process. It's best to use pre-cooked chicken or turkey to ensure food safety and proper texture. If you want to use raw chicken, consider sautéing it first until fully cooked before adding it to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. When ready to serve, you may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the frozen peas?
If you don't have frozen peas on hand, you can use other vegetables such as corn, diced bell peppers, or chopped green beans. For a more gourmet touch, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutrition of 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).