Little Chicken Dinners
Little Chicken Dinners offers a comforting combination of tender chicken, savory sausage, and creamy mushroom sauce, all encased in flaky pastry—perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shape the sausage into 1-inch balls.
- In a medium skillet, brown the sausage balls.
- Remove the sausage balls and drain excess fat.
- Pour off the skillet fat.
- Melt butter over low heat in the skillet; stir in flour and salt until mixture is bubbly.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Stir in chicken broth, light cream, and chopped mushrooms with liquid.
- Heat the mixture to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Let it boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Divide the cooked chicken, sausage, and sauce into 6 ungreased individual baking dishes.
- Place one pastry round on each dish, fold pastry under even with the edge of the dish.
- Flute the edges of the pastry.
- Cut slits on top of each pastry for ventilation.
- Place the dishes on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Insert pastry chicken into each baking dish before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for the light cream. You can also use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. For a twist, try adding frozen mixed vegetables to the filling for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
These little chicken dinners are perfect served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a hearty pairing, consider serving with mashed potatoes or a light pasta. They also pair beautifully with Stacy'S Chicken Salad for a delightful lunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the crust may not stay as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Little Chicken Dinners contains roughly 806 calories, with 6g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1683mg per serving (73% 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 a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with turkey or even a combination of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just ensure any meat is cooked before adding it to the dish.
Is it possible to freeze these little chicken dinners?
Absolutely! You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dishes, cover them tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they are heated through.
What can I use instead of pie crust mix?
If you don't have pie crust mix, you can easily make your own using flour, butter, and a pinch of salt. Alternatively, store-bought puff pastry works well for a flakier texture. Just roll it out and follow the same assembly instructions.
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).