Delightfully Different Chicken Pie
Delightfully Different Chicken Pie offers a savory combination of cooked chicken, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and green olives encased in a tender rice shell. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it an ideal dish for family dinners or entertaining guests seeking a unique twist on classic pie.
Ingredients
- 1 cooked and deboned chicken ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 4 oz. sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 can water chestnuts, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley
- 1/2 cup stuffed green olives, divided ⓘ
- Rice Shell (recipe follows) ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a frypan over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and chopped onion.
- Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Brown the mixture for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and stir until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in cooked chicken, sliced water chestnuts, and parsley.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Prepare the rice shell according to the recipe.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped green olives in the rice shell.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the rice shell.
- Top with the remaining olives.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or thyme to the sautéed mushrooms and onions. If you don't have margarine, butter works well as a substitute. You can also use leftover turkey in place of chicken for a delightful twist. For a vegetarian option, try using a mix of hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers instead of chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken pie warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, serve with a side of mashed potatoes, reminiscent of classic American recipes. This dish also complements a glass of crisp white wine.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the chicken pie in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This helps maintain the flakiness of the rice shell.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delightfully Different Chicken Pie contains roughly 246 calories, with 24g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (202% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), and potassium (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1180mg per serving (51% 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 a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or even leftover chicken from any previous meal. Just ensure that it's cooked and seasoned to your liking before adding it to the pie mixture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this chicken pie gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Always check the labels on your chicken broth and margarine to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Can I freeze the chicken pie?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken pie before baking. Assemble the pie, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
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).