Low-Fat Chicken Spread
A light and flavorful chicken spread perfect for quick snacks or appetizers. Made with tender chicken, Neufchatel cheese, and a blend of seasonings, this creamy dish offers a mild curry and pimiento kick. Ideal for serving on crackers or lettuce, it's a healthy, low-fat option suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. chicken breasts, skinned ⓘ
- 1/4 package Neufchatel cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fat-free mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. grated onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sweet pickle juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- dash of curry powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. chopped pimiento
- dash of hot sauce ⓘ
- dash of garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chicken in unsalted water to cover until tender.
- Remove chicken from broth, reserving 2 tablespoons of broth.
- Allow the chicken to cool.
- Bone the chicken and chop it finely.
- Combine Neufchatel cheese and mayonnaise, beating until smooth.
- Add grated onion, sweet pickle juice, chopped celery, curry powder, salt, pepper, chopped pimiento, hot sauce, and garlic powder; mix well.
- Stir in the chopped chicken and reserved broth.
- Serve on crackers or lettuce leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier spread, you can substitute the Neufchatel cheese with low-fat cream cheese. If you're looking for a spicier kick, consider adding a bit more hot sauce or some diced jalapeños. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Ensure the chicken is well-shredded for better incorporation into the spread.
Serving Suggestions
This Low-Fat Chicken Spread pairs beautifully with crackers or fresh lettuce leaves for a light appetizer. You can also serve it with fresh vegetable sticks, or use it as a filling for sandwiches. Consider accompanying with a light side salad or browse more American recipes for a full meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow it to come to room temperature before serving again, or for a warm version, gently microwave in short intervals until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Chicken Spread contains roughly 490 calories, with 19g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value) and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1598mg per serving (69% 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 other types of cheese in this spread?
Yes, if you prefer a different flavor, low-fat cream cheese or cottage cheese can work well as alternatives. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, so adjust the amount of mayonnaise accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
To make a vegetarian version, consider replacing the chicken with shredded tofu or chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to enhance the flavor and texture.
How can I make this spread more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley. You can also experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika or a hint of lemon juice for a zesty kick.
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).