Chicken Wiggle(Serves 8 With Second Helping)
Chicken Wiggle is a hearty casserole blending tender chicken, noodles, vegetables, and almonds in a flavorful stock, perfect for family gatherings or comforting dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the hen in salted water until tender and remove the meat from the bones.
- Ensure there is at least 1 quart of stock remaining from cooking the hen.
- Fry chopped onions, chopped celery, and green bell pepper in the fat from the cooked hen until tender.
- Add sliced mushrooms, chopped hard-cooked eggs, pimento, cooked chicken, some almonds, and some stock to the vegetable mixture.
- Cook the fine noodles according to the package directions.
- In a large casserole dish, layer cooked noodles and chicken mixture alternately until filled.
- Pour the remaining stock over the layered casserole.
- Garnish with chopped eggs, sliced olives, and slivered almonds.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using herbs like thyme or rosemary while cooking the hen. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the hen with a mix of hearty vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. You can also use vegetable stock instead of hen stock to maintain flavor. For a crunchier texture, toast the slivered almonds before adding them to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Wiggle pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as a Salsa Potato Salad, for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or a nice Cheese Bread Spread. It also makes for a hearty dish for family gatherings or potlucks, perfect for satisfying second helpings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You may want to add a splash of stock to keep the dish moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Wiggle(Serves 8 With Second Helping) contains roughly 1054 calories, with 24g protein, 164g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 726mg per serving (32% 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 instead of cooking a hen?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken can save time. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the vegetable mixture along with the stock, adjusting the amount as necessary for desired consistency.
What can I substitute for fine noodles?
If fine noodles are unavailable, you can use other pasta types like egg noodles or even whole wheat spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, ensuring it's cooked al dente before layering.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Wiggle a day in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it from the refrigerator, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).