Good Bye Chicken(My Mother'S Recipe, Adapted For Microwave)
A comforting microwave chicken casserole featuring tender cooked chicken, asparagus, and creamy cheese sauce, topped with toasted almonds. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines rich flavors with easy preparation, making it a family-friendly dish that delivers satisfying textures and tastes in a quick, hassle-free manner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour milk into a 6 to 8-cup glass measure and heat at 70% power for 3 1/2 minutes.
- Remove from microwave and set aside.
- Place butter, half of the salt, and onion salt in a 2-cup glass measure and microwave on High for 45 seconds.
- Stir flour into the melted butter until smooth.
- Return to microwave and cook on High for 45 seconds.
- Remove and briskly stir in warm milk and pepper.
- Cook on High for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until the mixture reaches the consistency of cream soup.
- Pour the Minute rice into a buttered 2-quart microwave dish.
- Combine chicken broth with remaining salt and pour over the rice.
- Sprinkle half of the grated American cheese over the rice.
- Layer cooked asparagus on top, then add sliced cooked chicken.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the layers.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Cook uncovered at 70% power for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles.
- Top with slivered almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using light cream instead of milk. You can substitute the American cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor. If you prefer, fresh asparagus can be replaced with frozen or canned, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Make sure to stir the sauce thoroughly to prevent lumps, and keep an eye on the cooking time as microwaves vary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. Crusty bread can also be a great addition to soak up the delicious sauce. For a fun twist, consider pairing it with Chicken Pinwheels for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through. If the dish appears too dry, add a splash of chicken broth or milk before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Bye Chicken(My Mother'S Recipe, Adapted For Microwave) contains roughly 1293 calories, with 18g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), iron (21% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2611mg per serving (114% 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 instead of Minute rice?
Using uncooked rice will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. If you choose to do so, ensure the rice is fully cooked before serving, and adjust the chicken broth accordingly to maintain the right consistency in the dish.
What can I use instead of chicken?
This recipe is quite versatile; you can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that any meat alternative is pre-cooked to maintain the overall cooking time.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers ahead and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, combine them in the microwave-safe dish and heat according to the recipe instructions. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or gatherings.
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).