Cranberry Chicken With Walnuts
A flavorful combination of tender chicken, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and savory creamy dressing, perfect for a festive or hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked and chopped chicken, chopped celery, cranberries, chopped walnuts, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, cooked rice, chopped green onions, and chopped hard-boiled eggs in a large bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer to a serving dish and top with buttered bread crumbs.
- Serve immediately or chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise, which will lighten the dish while maintaining creaminess. If you prefer a crunchier texture, toast the walnuts before adding them. You can also use dried cranberries if fresh ones are not available. This recipe can be adapted by adding spices like thyme or rosemary for a savory twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Chicken With Walnuts pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside garlic bread or over a bed of greens. It can also be enjoyed as a sandwich filling or on a bed of quinoa for a nutritious lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Chicken With Walnuts contains roughly 2798 calories, with 53g protein, 357g carbohydrates, and 142g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (107% of the Daily Value), iron (83% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is a great substitute for chicken in this recipe. It will give a different flavor profile while still providing the same deliciousness. Just ensure the turkey is chopped into bite-sized pieces and heated through before mixing with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Just combine all the ingredients except for the buttered bread crumbs, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, top with the crumbs and bake as instructed for a quick meal. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a lighter option or need a substitute, you can use homemade white sauce or a mixture of chicken broth and cornstarch to thicken. Alternatively, cream of mushroom soup works well, especially if you want to add an earthy flavor to the dish.
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).