10 Old Fashioned Chicken Dishes Tonight!

10 Old Fashioned Chicken Dishes Tonight!

by | Just Stuff, Recipes, Sharing Meals

Mom Fixed Many of these Recipes

Family Favorites for a Comfy Home Cooked Dinner

Cold weather makes us want to cozy up inside with something delicious and filling. Preferably with ingredients that we enjoyed growing up or which make us remember happy days.

For me, Chicken Paprikas is my most memorable and comfort giving chicken recipe, but for my husband it is Chicken and Dumplings. As a young wife and mother I often made Chicken Divan, or the more prosaically named “Chicken and Broccoli Casserole”.

If you are looking for good ideas of something, warm, and nourishing to cook with either chicken pieces or cooked leftover poultry, here are time tested favorites. I include the recipe for Chicken Divan here, and suggest, or give basic instructions for nine other recipes.

Economical, Tasty, Easy to Prepare

Three qualities of the classic chicken recipes our mothers and grandmothers cooked were: (1) they should be economical to make, (2) appeal to tastebuds, (3) and be easy to prepare. That last point is very important for busy people today.

The Chicken Bible

The Chicken Bible: Say Goodbye to Boring Chicken with 500 Recipes for Easy Dinners, Braises, Wings, Stir-Fries, and So Much More

The Chicken Bible: Say Goodbye to Boring Chicken with 500 Recipes for Easy Dinners, Braises, Wings, Stir-Fries, and So Much More

Because there is a world of delicious chicken dinners out there- this cookbook delivers all sorts of recipes to keep your menus fresh and exciting. I love having new flavors for this mainstay meal. Never be at loss for the recipe you need for a family meal or a party favorite. So much more, this book is also a cooking course with details on food handling, techniques, and more.
 Buy Now

5 Recipes For Cooked Chicken

Cook chicken beforehand, roast or stewed, and then cut into bite-size pieces. Frozen or canned pre-cooked chicken is also available for these easy recipes.

Most are casseroles:

  1. Tetrazzini
  2. King Ranch
  3. A La King
  4. Chicken and Broccoli (I always called it “Chicken Divan”)
  5. Chicken Pot Pie

 

Tasty Chicken Divan

Chicken and Broccoli is classic comfort food.
Chicken and Broccoli is classic comfort food.

Try It Tonight!

Try out this delicious chicken dish and then take a look at the list of the other nine, read a bit of culinary history and have a great meal. Bon appetit!

This recipe originated in New York at the Divan Parisien restaurant, but American cooks everywhere took the basic ingredients and method and made many recipes that included the time saving ingredients of the day (Campbell soups, in particular).

It doesn’t take that much effort to make the Mornay sauce, duplicating the original and making it more healthful. This way it returns to our table with less salt and without additives.

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Ready in: 1 hour
Yields: 4 servings
  • 2 boxes or 2 bunches Broccoli, frozen or fresh
  • 4 Chicken Breasts, boneless
  • 3 tablespoons Flour
  • 3 tablespoons Butter
  • 3/4 cup Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 cup Milk, or Half and Half
  • 1/3 cup Cooking Sherry
  • 1/2 cup Gruyère Cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan, shredded or grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • More Parmesan to cover
  • Buttered bread crumbs, for top (optional)
  • Cooked Rice for 4 people
  1. Cook the chicken breasts in simmering water. Or use 4 cups of rotisserie meat.
  2. Thaw frozen or cook fresh broccoli until just tender. Steaming lends more nutrition to the meal. 2 – 3 minutes
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F
  4. Make Mornay Sauce: In heavy saucepan melt the butter; whisk in the flour; pour in milk and whisk; cook until thick. Add cheeses. Stir in wine, add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Butter casserole dish; layer broccoli, chicken and sauce. Repeat layers. Sprinkle all with more Parmesan cheese. Add some buttered breadcrumbs if desired.
  6. Bake 35 – 40 minutes. Serve over rice.

Try These All American Favorites

These recipes are tried and true All American favorites. Often easy to fix, nourishing, and one dish made them staples for busy families. Using leftovers for economy, if you haven’t tried them lately, it is time to put old fashioned home cooking back in your life again.

Roast Chicken Recipes

Many good recipes start out with cooked chicken. Learn how to roast a chicken for your meals.
Many good recipes start out with cooked chicken. Learn how to roast a chicken for your meals.

King Ranch Casserole

Bit O’ History

Chicken Tetrazzini:

invented early in the twentieth century and named after Italian opera star, Luisa Tetrazzini. This casserole has many guises, but can be made with chicken and boasts a flavorful cream and wine sauce poured over spaghetti noodles and baked.

King Ranch Casserole:

Not from the King Ranch, this casserole gives chicken South Texas flavors. It is so venerable and beloved in its Tex-Mex territory that some think it should be designated the Texan state dish. “Texas take on chicken à la king”

Basically, make a white sauce with chicken stock, add sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers, onion, and a few green chiles, minced garlic and Ro-Tel (nothing takes the place of a can of Ro-Tel). Then moisten tortillas with chicken stock, layer tortillas, sauce, and then cooked chicken, with layers of shredded cheese (Jack or similar type), lasagna-style. Bake.

Chicken A La King

This predates King Ranch and is considered the base for it. A casserole that uses cooked chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce. It is a family favorite for generations. The story according to Epicurious is:

E. Clarke King of Dayton, Ohio, sent us “the original recipe,” which he claimed had been invented by George Greenwald, head chef at New York’s Brighton Beach Hotel, for his parents (who owned the hotel) in the early 1900s.

Chicken Divan

Originally created by a chef in the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in the New York Chatham Hotel, this became a mainstream favorite when Mom’s everywhere discovered how easy it was to make. It combines chicken, broccoli, savory seasoning in a cream sauce.

5 Recipes For Uncooked Chicken:

Start with raw chicken pieces that you either cut up yourself, or buy as your favorite chicken parts.

  1. Chicken and Dumplings
  2. Coq Au Vin
  3. Chicken Paprikash
  4. Spanish Rice and Chicken (Arroz Con Pollo)
  5. Filipino Chicken Adobo

French Comfort: Coq Au Vin

French Coq Au Vin

10 Fantastic, Classic Chicken Dishes

Soy Sauce Marinated Legs with Asian Flavor

Authentic Chicken Adobo

The Story Behind Famous National Poultry Dishes

French, Hungarian, Asian cuisines are famous far beyond the borders of the countries represented by them. Why have they become so famous? The answer may be no more mysterious than the delicious flavor that crosses borders effortlessly.

Coq au Vin

The English translation of “rooster in wine” is not as evocative a name as the original French one. The slow cooking and hearty ingredients combined with the rich flavor of the wine makes familiar fare magnifique. The story goes that King Henri IV of France promised every home a “chicken in their pot”, and a French chef, Paul Bocuse, arose to the occasion with this braised stew.

Chicken and Dumplings

Beloved all over America, but especially by German immigrants and Southerners, this is a one pot stew. Although there is speculation about the origins, I favor the idea that many Europeans loved this as a variation of their noodle dishes- the dumpling being something of a large, fat noodle!

Perhaps it came to popularity once again during the Great Depression, but it predates that time by centuries.

Hungarian Paprikas

Not possible before the Ottoman empire imported New World peppers sometime during the 16th century, the Hungarian paprika spice is now the emblem of all Hungary’s cookery. Matched with a cooling dollop of sour cream to the sauce, and chicken is transformed into a delight.

Filipino Chicken Adobo

This may be the unofficial national maindish, but it is the most recognizable Philippine entrée to most of us. The method of marinating predates the Spanish name of “adobo”, and the flavors of soy sauce and ginger are a basic part of Asian cooking. I think the resulting flavor is addictive- it is that delicious.

Delectable Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings |

Poultry

Many recipes calling for cooked chicken can be made with turkey instead, and vice versa.

Dice Cooked Chicken into Bite-sized Pieces

Many great home cooked recipes use cooked chicken that is cut into chunks.
Many great home cooked recipes use cooked chicken that is cut into chunks.

Tip: Take Time to Cook

The quickest way to whip up a meal is to use pre-cooked ingredients, but for economical and more nutritious meals home cooked from scratch is best. The best of both can be accomplished with combining days when you cook enough chickento be used in casseroles which call for ready cooked meat, AND use freshly purchased poultry to use in dishes such as roasted and stewed meals.

Designate “cooking days” when you make more time intensive meals. Save the cooked chicken in storage bags or containers for later in the week.

Chicken and Rice

Delish Chicken Casserole -made savory with mushroom, rosemary, and sherry wine.
Delish Chicken Casserole -made savory with mushroom, rosemary, and sherry wine.<

Arroz con Pollo

Which Chicken Dish Meets Your Comfort Expectations?

Let me know in the comments

Apricot Stuffed Roast Chicken

Apricot Stuffed Roast Chicken

by | Just Stuff

Apricot stuffed roast chicken is going to become a holiday alternative to plain Jane turkey in your family recipe repertoire. This particular recipe is very rich in flavor. The meal can’t be boring when adding jammy apricot glazed roast chicken that has a bread stuffing infused with herbs, tangy apricot pieces, and pecans. When poultry is stuffed, it creates a much moister meat, as well as a side dish that cooks along with the main course.
Apricot Roasted Chicken

Apricot Stuffed Roast Chicken

- Not just for holidays, get stuffed anytime- Stuffing will make the cooking times longer, but takes care of the side dish by providing a savory dressing. I like it with fruit flavors, apricot here, but orange or apple could be substituted.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Package bread stuffing
  • 1/4 cup 1/2 stick butter
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 2 stalks of celery diced
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley minced
  • 1/2 cups diced dried apricots
  • 1/2 cup pecan pieces toasted
  • canned chicken broth
  • 4 lb Uncooked roasting chicken
  • apricot jam or glaze
  • Salt and pepper
  • poultry seasoning optional

Method
 

  1. Rub chicken inside and out with the salt, pepper, (and poultry seasoning if desired)
  2. Sauté onion, parsley, and celery in the butter until tender. Add the apricots and cook for a few minutes.
  3. In a large bowl add the vegetables to the bread stuffing, add the nuts and pour in chicken broth. Mix well. Stuff the chicken.
  4. Roast the chicken, basting with juices. After the roast has cooked for an hour and a half mix 1/4 cup of apricot jam with some juices from the roast, brush onto the roast for the last half hour or so of cooking.

Notes

Tips
Be sure to stuff the chicken only right before cooking it.
Be sure to remove all the stuffing after cooking and refrigerate leftovers separately from the chicken meat.
Internal temperature should register 175° when done.
Wondering what you  wish to serve with the finished bird and beautiful stuffing?  Side dishes of tender broccoli, perhaps some Mediterranean-style accompaniments, or a fennel dish. A garnish of olives, a dish of balsamic carrots or creamy potato leek soup would complement this, as well.
10 Old Fashioned Chicken Dishes Tonight!

Chicken Divan Casserole

by | Favorite Foods, Recipes

Chicken Divan is an old fashioned favorite with a great blend of flavors. While broccoli is added to almost everything, it seems, this classic way to combine chicken, cheese, and a creamy sauce  should never go out of style.

In either the thirties or forties of the last century, this chicken casserole dish was introduced by a New York hotel. The Mornay sauce that envelopes roasted chicken and broccoli is one of the basic white sauces with Gruyère or Parmesan cheese.

In the fifties era, it was a classy dinner party dish. It is easy and delicious with a piquant flavor from the subtle spice and rich cheese.

Chicken Divan

- Did they misspell divine?- I learned to make this from Joy of Cooking or Amy Vanderbilt, I don't remember which one. It is great with the roasted chicken layered inside this fancy casserole.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Broccoli heads divided into stalks or two packages frozen
  • 1 lb Roasted chicken cut into generous bite size pieces
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Half and Half
  • 3 tbsp. Sherry wine
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Method
 

Make the white sauce:
  1. Melt butter to bubbling, pale yellow. Add flour gradually and stir constantly with wire whisk. Don't let the flour clump.
  2. Add chicken broth, cook and stir until thickened. Stir in Half and Half, salt, dash of pepper and then add grated cheese.
Assemble Casserole
  1. Steam the broccoli until a bright green color and tender (not soft). Lay it on the buttered bottom of a casserole dish.
  2. Use a fourth of the sauce to cover the broccoli.
  3. Layer the chicken over, and then pour on the rest of the sauce. Sprinkle more grated or shaved Parmesan cheese over the top.
  4. Bake in a 350° degree oven for 20 minutes.
  5. Serve over rice.

The Perfect Summer Dinner

The Perfect Summer Dinner

by | Recipes, Sharing Meals, Summer Season

If you were looking for a summer dinner which incorporates wonderful seasonal fruits and perfectly paired flavors, this is the meal to try.

Start with a simple roasted chicken. I have a page of how-to information on roasting a chicken; there is nothing better or easier for a summer dinner because it is healthy, tasty, and the cold leftovers are wonderful for more meals, later.

Yes, Saffron rice takes a little more time to prepare, but the aromatic addition will add special flavor that takes this side dish to the next level.

What makes the entire meal stand out for June, or any point during the summer, is the inclusion of cherries. The salad has dried cherries, but you could substitute fresh sweet ones. The fruit flavors plus a kick of spice from smokey chipotle pepper makes the rest of the meal sing. 

Finally, serve up a home made cherry dessert. Accompany with iced tea.

Sour Cherry Sauce for Poultry

A wine and chicken stock sauce with cherries and spices.
Print Recipe
Course: Sauce
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sweet onion finely diced
  • 4 tablespoons butter divided
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups dry red wine such as Cabernet
  • ½ cup sour cherries (can use dried) chopped if large1
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • kosher salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Soak the cherries in hot water to soften, if using dried cherries
  2. Sauté the sweet onion in 2 tablespoons butter until translucent.
  3. Add the cinnamon and paprika and stir 1 minute. Add the chicken stock and reduce to 3/4 cup. Add the red wine and reduce to 1½ cups. Add cherries.
  4. Turn off heat and stir in the sour cream (so it won’t curdle from the heat). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the finished sauce to plated meat.

Highlighted with Pie Cherries

This is an easy, yet spectacular summer season dinner. Fresh cherries are in season during late June, but you can use frozen or canned, just as well during other times of year. Put on your cute cherry apron and get started! The main dish for a perfect summer menu starts with a roasted chicken, to find out how to perfectly roast a chicken check out the  Roasted Chicken recipe collection. Make a sour cherry sauce to serve with it.

It is the use of fresh cherries and the ease of preparation that makes this the ideal summer repast.

Summer Dinner Menu

  • Roasted Chicken
  • Sour Cherry Sauce
  • Saffron rice
  • Cherry Chipotle Spinach with Cashews Salad
  • Cherry Dessert...hmm which? Cobbler, Cherry Delight Cake, or Cherry Pie?

Saffron Rice

Try this recipe, from 'An Edible Mosaic', for the rice: .
Print Recipe
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 pod cardamom crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1 pinch saffron threads or 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon boiling water

Method
 

  1. Put half a kettle of water on to boil.
  2. Put rice in a mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water a couple minutes until water runs clear; set aside.
  3. Add oil to a medium saucepan with a lid over high heat; once hot, add bay leaf, cloves, and cardamom pod and cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
  4. Add rice and salt and cook (stirring occasionally) until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
  5. Add 1 1/2 cup boiling water to rice and bring to a rolling boil. Give it a stir, cover the pot, turn heat down to low, and cook 10 minutes (don't open the pot while the rice cooks).
  6. After the rice is cooked, let the pot sit with the lid on for 15 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Transfer half the rice to a separate bowl.
  7. In a small bowl, combine 1 pinch saffron threads (or turmeric, if you prefer) with 1 tablespoon boiling water; steep 1-2 minutes.
  8. Stir the colored water into half the rice (the rice will turn yellow).
  9. Serve with the chicken and cherry sauce.

Cherry Chipotle Spinach Salad with Cashews

When you want the salad to be something special, serve this.
Print Recipe
Course: Salad
Cuisine: California
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Cherry vinaigrette
  • 7 fl. oz. seasoned rice vinegar
  • ½ cup cherry concentrate
  • ¾ tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 oz. minced shallots
  • 2 ¼ tsp. chipotle pepper in adobo sauce pureed
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 ¼ cups oil
Salad Ingredients
  • 8 cups spinach leaves
  • 1 cup red apples diced
  • 1 cup Mandarin oranges
  • ½ cup dried cherries
  • ¼ cup cashew pieces

Method
 

Cherry vinaigrette
  1. Blend all ingredients except oil. Slowly add oil and blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  2. Combine ingredients and toss.

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