Chicken With Crabmeat And Rosemary(Real Gourmet)
A rich, creamy chicken and crabmeat casserole infused with rosemary and accented by avocado, offering a luxurious blend of flavors perfect for special occasions or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1 c. soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 large ripe avocado ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. flour
- 1/4 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 tsp. fresh rosemary or 1/4 tsp. dried rosemary, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1 c. crabmeat, remove cartilage ⓘ
- 3 c. cooked, skinned, boned, bite-sized chicken pieces ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over moderate heat.
- Add bread crumbs and saute until browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel, pit, and cut the avocado into 1/2 x 1-inch pieces; mix with lemon juice and set aside.
- In a large, heavy saucepan over moderate heat, melt the remaining butter; add the onion and saute until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in flour, paprika, and rosemary. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until flour is lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
- Blend in the cooked chicken, crabmeat, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Gently fold in the avocado pieces with lemon juice and transfer to a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cover with the sauteed bread crumbs and bake for 15 minutes or until bubbly.
- Garnish with watercress sprigs, if desired, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you're short on time, you can substitute the crabmeat with canned crab, ensuring you drain it well. Fresh rosemary provides the best flavor, but if unavailable, dried works in a pinch. Keep an eye on the bread crumbs while sautéing to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also serve it with rice or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Chicken 'N' Hash Browns for a comforting family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Crabmeat And Rosemary(Real Gourmet) contains roughly 817 calories, with 26g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (147% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2527mg per serving (110% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is fully thawed and cooked through before cutting into bite-sized pieces. This will help maintain the texture of the dish. You can poach the chicken in broth for added flavor.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Certainly! You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat sour cream alternative. Additionally, using less butter or a cooking spray for sautéing can help reduce the overall fat content while still keeping the dish flavorful.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes 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).