Whole Note Chicken
Whole Note Chicken is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken combined with flavorful rice, crisp vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. Its creamy mushroom sauce and colorful pimentos make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying mix of textures and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put diced celery, sweet pepper, and diced onion in melted oleo in a skillet.
- Cook until almost done.
- Cook 2 cups of rice until tender; this will yield about 4 cups cooked rice.
- Mix cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and cooked vegetables together in a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes.
- In the last 10 minutes of baking, put shredded Cheddar cheese on top and bake until melted and slightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sautéed vegetables. If you don't have oleo, butter or margarine can be used as a substitute. You can also swap the Cheddar cheese for a creamier option, such as Gruyère, for a different taste. To make this dish lighter, swap half of the rice for cauliflower rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Whole Note Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp Eyes Of Texas Salad, adding a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a simple green bean almondine.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but this may not achieve the same crispy cheese topping as baking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Whole Note Chicken contains roughly 1014 calories, with 36g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (73% of the Daily Value), calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2028mg per serving (88% 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 brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires about 45 minutes to cook, so consider pre-cooking it slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure everything is ready at the same time.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
You can use any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken from another meal. If you prefer to cook your chicken fresh, poach or roast a whole chicken and shred the meat for the casserole.
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).