Company Chicken Hot Dish
Company Chicken Hot Dish is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken pieces baked under a creamy, cheesy sauce with celery, pimentos, and onions. Perfect for family dinners, it offers rich flavors and a crispy bread crumb topping, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dust the chicken with flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Brown the chicken in butter in a large skillet.
- Grease a baking pan large enough to lay the chicken in a single layer.
- Place diced celery on the bottom of the pan, then layer the browned chicken on top.
- Mix the cream of chicken soup, half and half, grated onions, pimentos, and grated Cheddar cheese together.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the pan.
- Sprinkle buttered bread crumbs, additional grated cheese, and sliced almonds on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot, preferably with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mix of garlic and lemon juice before browning. If you're short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut. You can also substitute the sharp Cheddar cheese with a blend of mozzarella and Gruyère for a different taste. If you want a healthier option, replace half of the cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, which helps soak up the creamy sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad can balance the richness. For a comforting meal, serve with a bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup or a slice of warm bread. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken hot dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook as it may dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Chicken Hot Dish contains roughly 1248 calories, with 52g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (105% of the Daily Value), calcium (83% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2374mg per serving (103% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Company Chicken Hot Dish ahead of time. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth as a substitute for cream of chicken soup. Alternatively, use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile. This can also add a nice earthy taste to the dish.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this chicken hot dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed 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).