Hen On The Nest
Hen On The Nest is a comforting baked chicken and rice casserole with creamy mushroom and celery mixture, topped with peas—perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook, skin, and cut up the chicken breasts.
- Mix together undiluted cream of chicken soup with yogurt and lemon juice.
- Saute mushrooms and chopped celery until tender.
- Add cooked chicken, mushrooms, and celery to the soup mixture.
- Layer the mixture in a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Top with cooked peas.
- Serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a little shredded cheese to the soup mixture before baking. You can substitute the chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. For a veggie boost, feel free to add chopped bell peppers or carrots. If you prefer a lighter dish, use Greek yogurt instead of low-fat yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or homemade biscuits to soak up the creamy sauce. For a comforting twist, serve with a side of Lancaster Corn Chowder for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, microwave portions on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Alternatively, you can reheat in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hen On The Nest contains roughly 320 calories, with 23g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 529mg per serving (23% 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 fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts. Simply cook them thoroughly before cutting them into pieces. Baking the dish will ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld nicely.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step and cover it tightly. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours and then bake when ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed for a quick meal.
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).