Easy Chicken Tetrazinni
Creamy, cheesy chicken tetrazinni with onions, celery, and pimentos offers comforting flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 1 (2 oz.) jar chopped pimentos, drained ⓘ
- Garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/2-3 lb.) chicken, cooked, boned and chopped ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion and celery in butter until tender.
- Add undiluted cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, shredded cheddar cheese, drained chopped pimentos, cooked boned chopped chicken, salt, and pepper; blend well.
- Sprinkle with garlic salt.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the mixture. You can substitute the cheddar cheese with a blend of your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it's a great time-saver for this dish. For a twist, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious chicken tetrazinni over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as Hampton Herbs Pasta Salad, for a fresh contrast. You can also offer crusty bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce, making it a complete and satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken tetrazinni in a microwave-safe dish and cover it to prevent drying out. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken Tetrazinni contains roughly 353 calories, with 6g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 949mg per serving (41% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure it’s thoroughly cooked and shredded before adding it to the mixture. If using raw chicken, cook it fully beforehand, as this recipe requires pre-cooked chicken for best results.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cream of celery soup or a homemade white sauce seasoned with mushrooms. This will still give you a creamy texture without the canned soup.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using whole grain pasta instead of rice, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas to increase the nutritional value. Opt for low-fat versions of the soups to cut down on calories.
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).