Yayi'S Chicken
Yayi's Chicken is a creamy, savory dish featuring tender chopped chicken combined with mushrooms, water chestnuts, and pimentos in a rich, sherry-enhanced sauce. Perfect for serving in pasta shells, it offers a comforting blend of flavors that appeals to family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend butter and flour in a saucepan; gradually add chicken broth and milk.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Saute sliced onions in a little butter until translucent.
- Add cooked, chopped chicken, water chestnuts, mushrooms, chopped pimento, and sautéed onions to the sauce.
- Optional: stir in sherry for added flavor.
- Serve the mixture in cooked pasta shells.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. If you prefer a crunchy texture, add some chopped water chestnuts just before serving. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the dish's aroma. For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with cornstarch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Yayi's Chicken in pasta shells for a delightful presentation. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You could also serve it alongside rice or pasta, like in Rice Delight, to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yayi'S Chicken contains roughly 549 calories, with 13g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2235mg per serving (97% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just dice it and sauté it in the pan before adding the onions. Make sure to cook it thoroughly until no longer pink. This will add flavor to the sauce as the chicken cooks.
What can I substitute for sherry?
If you prefer not to use sherry, you can replace it with white wine or omit it altogether. For a non-alcoholic substitute, use additional chicken broth or a splash of vinegar mixed with water to maintain the flavor profile.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! You can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and replacing the chicken with cooked mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
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).