Party Chicken Tetrazzini
Party Chicken Tetrazzini combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and savory vegetables in a comforting casserole, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 6 lb. hen, stewed
- 4 cups chicken broth (reserved from stewing) ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. butter ⓘ
- 8 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. processed yellow cheese, cut into small chunks ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can ripe olives, pitted and sliced ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom slices, drained ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package slivered toasted almonds ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. finely minced onion ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. minced green pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. minced celery ⓘ
Instructions
- Stew the hen until tender and reserve 4 cups of broth.
- Cut the cooked meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter and gradually blend in flour.
- Slowly add the 4 cups of chicken broth, then the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Cook over low heat until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cheese chunks and stir until melted.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the chicken, olives, mushroom slices, toasted almonds, minced onion, green pepper, and celery.
- Cook the noodles according to package directions, drain well, and stir into the chicken mixture.
- Divide the mixture into two buttered 1 1/2-quart casseroles.
- Refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Bake at 350°F until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version of this dish, consider using low-fat cheese and cream. If you don't have heavy cream, half-and-half can work in a pinch. Additionally, you can substitute the processed yellow cheese with a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for added flavor. Don't forget to taste and adjust seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken tetrazzini pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Aunt Justine's Lettuce Soup for a cozy dinner. For a festive touch, add some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A glass of white wine can elevate the dining experience as well.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken tetrazzini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F until heated through, usually about 30-40 minutes. For individual servings, reheating in the microwave is also an option, but ensure it's heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Chicken Tetrazzini contains roughly 533 calories, with 10g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 786mg per serving (34% 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 freeze chicken tetrazzini?
Yes, chicken tetrazzini freezes well. To do so, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container without baking it first. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
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).