Congealed Chicken Spread
A creamy, savory chicken spread with onions and celery, perfect for parties and snacking, offering a smooth texture and rich flavor that pairs well with crackers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop drained chicken.
- In a pot, melt the cream of chicken soup and cream cheese over low heat.
- Stir in the gelatin until well blended.
- Remove from heat.
- Add mayonnaise, grated onion, and grated celery; stir well.
- Pour into a mold and refrigerate overnight.
- Unmold when ready to serve and garnish as desired.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or herbs like dill or parsley. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to blend easily with the soup. This spread can also be made using leftover chicken from your favorite Chicken recipes, such as Simple Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Congealed Chicken Spread with an array of crackers for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and bell peppers. For a more substantial meal, try it alongside a light salad or as a filling in a sandwich, making it a versatile choice for gatherings or picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat it, gently warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently until just warmed through; avoid overheating to maintain texture. This dish is best served cold, so consider enjoying it straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Congealed Chicken Spread contains roughly 422 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 652mg per serving (28% 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 fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked, shredded fresh chicken instead of canned. Just ensure it's well-drained and chopped into small pieces. This will add a fresher taste and texture to the spread, making it even more appealing at gatherings.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the Congealed Chicken Spread gluten-free, ensure that the cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise you use are certified gluten-free. Most brands offer gluten-free options, allowing you to enjoy this dish without worry.
Can I freeze this chicken spread?
Freezing is not recommended for this spread, as the texture of the cream cheese and gelatin may change upon thawing. However, you can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge, allowing it to set perfectly before serving.
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).