Chicken Tetrazzini(Serves A Lot)
Creamy chicken tetrazzini features tender shredded chicken in a rich mushroom and green pepper sauce, topped with butter and flour, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 lb. chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. onion salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1 stick butter ⓘ
- 2 large cans sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 pkg. fresh sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 sticks butter ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 4 c. broth ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sherry ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sherry ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together the salt, onion salt, and celery salt, then sprinkle over the chicken breasts.
- Cover the chicken with water and simmer for 1 hour to cook.
- Save the broth from cooking the chicken.
- Remove the skin and bones from the chicken and chop the meat into chunks.
- Place the chopped chicken in a large bowl.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 stick of butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms and green pepper.
- Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of chopped green pepper, and cook for a few minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 2 sticks of butter and stir in the flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add the chicken broth to the roux, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in paprika, salt, pepper, and sherry.
- Combine the sauce with the chopped chicken and mushroom mixture.
- Serve hot over cooked pasta or rice, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the sauce. If you don't have sherry, white wine or even chicken broth can be substituted. Ensure to simmer the chicken gently to keep it tender. If you want a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before combining with the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Tetrazzini is best served hot and can be paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it over cooked pasta, rice, or even with a side of garlic bread. It also pairs beautifully with Chicken Orzo Salad for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For best results, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Tetrazzini(Serves A Lot) contains roughly 545 calories, with 4g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 515mg per serving (22% 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 leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great. Just skip the initial cooking steps and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This not only saves time but also adds extra flavor to the dish.
Can I freeze Chicken Tetrazzini?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Tetrazzini! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in the oven until heated through, adding a little broth if necessary.
What type of pasta works best for Chicken Tetrazzini?
Traditionally, a wide noodle like egg noodles or fettuccine is used, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Penne or rotini can also work well since they hold the sauce nicely. Just ensure to cook the pasta al dente before mixing it with the sauce for the best 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).