Crunchy Curried Chicken
Crunchy Curried Chicken combines tender cooked chicken, ham, and water chestnuts in a creamy curry-flavored sauce topped with toasted almonds, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 cup cubed cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 cup cubed cooked ham
- 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cooked rice in a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle cubed cooked chicken, ham, and chopped water chestnuts over the rice.
- In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, mayonnaise, minced parsley, salt, and curry powder.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the rice and meat layer.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider using a mix of brown and white rice. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the chicken and ham with additional vegetables like peas and bell peppers. Adjust the curry powder according to your spice preference, starting with a smaller amount and increasing gradually.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served hot, and pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Curried Chicken contains roughly 773 calories, with 18g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), iron (82% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2431mg per serving (106% 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 uncooked rice for this recipe?
No, it's best to use cooked rice for this recipe to ensure the dish has the right texture. If you only have uncooked rice, you would need to cook it separately before adding it to the baking dish.
Can I freeze the Crunchy Curried Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze this dish before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the ingredients and cover tightly. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. For baked leftovers, cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute with chopped celery for a similar crunch or use sliced jicama. Both alternatives will provide a nice texture to the dish while maintaining the overall flavor.
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).