Easy Escalloped Chicken
A comforting baked chicken dish featuring tender shredded chicken layered with toasted bread, hard-boiled eggs, and seasoned with salt and pepper, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chicken in 2 quarts of water until tender.
- Remove bones from the cooked chicken and cut the meat into medium-sized pieces. Reserve the broth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread pieces, diced or sliced hard-boiled eggs, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the raw eggs.
- Layer the cooked chicken over the bread mixture in a baking dish.
- Pour the beaten raw eggs over the layered ingredients.
- Add the reserved chicken broth to the dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken while boiling. You can substitute the bread with leftover rolls or even cornbread for a unique twist. If you want a creamier texture, adding a cup of cream or a can of cream of mushroom soup can enhance the dish. Ensure the bread is toasted properly to absorb the flavors without becoming too soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice, allowing the flavorful broth to complement the sides. Consider a side of cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If you prefer, you can microwave it in shorter intervals, covering it to retain moisture. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Escalloped Chicken contains roughly 1246 calories, with 18g protein, 219g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2261mg per serving (98% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken can save time and still yield delicious results. Just shred the chicken and skip the boiling step. Ensure to adjust the seasoning, as rotisserie chicken can be saltier than boiled chicken.
What should I do if I don't have hard-boiled eggs?
If you don't have hard-boiled eggs, you can quickly boil eggs while preparing the other ingredients. Alternatively, you can omit them or use scrambled eggs mixed into the dish for a different texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Certainly! You can substitute the chicken with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider adding tofu for protein. This makes a great veggie chicken meal that retains the essence of the original recipe.
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).