Quick Crunchy Chicken
A quick, crunchy baked chicken dish featuring diced chicken, water chestnuts, pimentos, almonds, mayonnaise, and cheese, perfect for a satisfying appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken and chop it into small pieces.
- Mix the cooked chicken, sliced water chestnuts, chopped pimento, slivered almonds, mayonnaise, and shredded Cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Optional: Top with 1 cup of crushed potato chips before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider adding finely chopped celery or using flavored almonds. You can also switch the cheese to a lower-fat variety or omit it altogether. Adding a dash of garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the flavor significantly, especially if you're using rotisserie chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside some warm bread or rice for a heartier option. For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce wraps or with tortilla chips for a crunchy snack. Browse more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat, as it can become dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Crunchy Chicken contains roughly 303 calories, with 15g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. At about 303 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
It's best to use cooked chicken for this recipe, as the baking time is meant to heat the dish through rather than cook raw chicken. If you have raw chicken, cook it first by boiling or baking, then shred or dice it before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply transfer it to a baking dish and bake as directed. This makes it a perfect option for meal prep or for gatherings.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use diced celery for crunch, though the flavor will differ slightly. Alternatively, sliced mushrooms can provide a different texture, or you can simply omit them if you prefer a smoother consistency.
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).