Club Chicken
Creamy and comforting club chicken casserole with tender chicken, rice, and optional vegetables, topped with toasted almonds—perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 2/3 cups evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups cut-up cold chicken or turkey ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- can mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced pimento (optional) ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped green pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter or margarine in a saucepan; blend in flour.
- Gradually add chicken broth and evaporated milk, stirring constantly.
- Cook and stir over low heat until thickened.
- Add salt, chicken, cooked rice, and optional vegetables like mushrooms, pimento, and green pepper.
- Pour mixture into a greased 2-quart, 7 1/2 x 11-inch dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy texture, ensure to whisk the flour thoroughly with melted butter to avoid lumps. If you want to lighten the dish, consider substituting half of the evaporated milk with low-fat milk or using a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions. For a flavor boost, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or herbs like thyme or parsley. Check out other chicken recipes like Creamy Chicken Bake for more ideas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Club Chicken dish with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with fluffy dinner rolls or a side of creamy mashed potatoes. For a heartier option, consider a side of Beef And Barley Soup to complement the flavors. Enjoy it as a comforting family dinner or a potluck favorite.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, heating in intervals of 1-2 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed, ensuring it's hot throughout.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Club Chicken contains roughly 1188 calories, with 25g protein, 195g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (138% of the Daily Value), iron (86% of the Daily Value), and protein (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2544mg per serving (111% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor to the dish. Simply shred or chop the chicken and add it directly into the mixture. This can enhance the overall taste and ensure you make the most of your leftovers.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream mixed together. Alternatively, for a lighter option, use unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based milk, though this may alter the flavor slightly.
Is it okay to add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add more vegetables such as peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and color. Just ensure they are precooked or steamed before adding them to the mixture, so they blend well with the other ingredients during baking.
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).