Easy Roast Chicken And Almonds
A hearty roast chicken dish featuring creamy mushroom, chicken, and celery soups, toasted almonds, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 frying chickens (approximately 6 lb.) cut into serving pieces ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1 (5 1/2 oz.) package slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or vermouth ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove the necks and backbones from the chicken parts and reserve for another use.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then lay them in a shallow baking dish.
- Cover the chicken with two-thirds of the slivered almonds.
- Mix the cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and cream of celery soups together with the white wine or vermouth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and almonds in the dish.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and the remaining almonds over the top.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of herbs and garlic before cooking. You can substitute the cream soups with homemade versions or use low-fat alternatives for a lighter dish. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try using toasted slivered almonds. This recipe is versatile; you can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the dish for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roast chicken and almonds with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a light white wine or a crisp salad like Banana Chicken Salad. Consider offering crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce, making it a hearty and satisfying dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover roast chicken and almonds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Roast Chicken And Almonds contains roughly 113 calories, with 5g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 569mg per serving (25% 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 different types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or breasts, but ensure even cooking by adjusting the baking time. Bone-in pieces will retain moisture better than boneless ones. If you prefer to use a whole chicken, ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for the cream soups?
If you want a healthier option, you can make your own cream sauce using a roux and adding chicken broth and milk. Alternatively, you can use non-dairy options like coconut cream or a store-bought non-dairy cream soup. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Additionally, the juices should run clear when you cut into the chicken. If using larger pieces, check them individually for doneness.
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).