Microwave Tomato Shells Stuffed With Curried Chicken
Creamy curried chicken stuffed tomatoes make a flavorful, elegant appetizer or light meal, blending savory chicken with aromatic curry in a delightful tomato shell.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut a slice from the stem end of each tomato.
- Scoop out the pulp and invert tomatoes to drain.
- Melt margarine in a 1 1/2-quart glass casserole in microwave oven (30 seconds at High).
- Blend in flour, minced onion, and curry powder.
- Stir in milk.
- Cook uncovered for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 minutes at High or until thickened and smooth, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and diced cooked chicken.
- Fill tomato shells with chicken mixture and place in a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Heat uncovered in microwave oven for 4 to 6 minutes at High or until thoroughly heated.
- Rotate the dish one-quarter turn once during heating.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the chicken mixture. If you don't have curry powder, garam masala can be a great substitute. You can also swap out the chicken for leftover turkey for a delightful twist. To enhance the dish, try adding some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed tomatoes are a great main dish on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a hearty addition, serve with crusty bread or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. They make an impressive presentation for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed tomato shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Tomato Shells Stuffed With Curried Chicken contains roughly 318 calories, with 14g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1853mg per serving (81% 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?
While it's possible to use raw chicken, it requires additional cooking time. To ensure food safety, cook the chicken fully before mixing it with the other ingredients. Using pre-cooked chicken not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully in the microwave.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can easily substitute margarine with unsalted butter or olive oil for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative works well too. Just remember that these substitutes may slightly alter the taste.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with cooked lentils or chickpeas for added protein. You can also mix in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
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).