Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Recipe Introduction
Right, let's dive straight into this chicken tetrazzini recipe. Honestly, who doesn't love a good cheesy chicken dinner ? It's like a warm hug on a cold day, innit?
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to make a simple, easy family dinner that everyone will actually eat ? This creamy chicken tetrazzini is your answer! Packed with flavour and super comforting.
Brief Overview
Chicken tetra , as some call it, is believed to have originated in san francisco. it's proper american comfort food.
This recipe is medium difficulty. from start to finish it takes about an hour. you’ll get around 6-8 servings, perfect for the family or a small gathering.
Main Benefits
One of the best things? it's a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey after your new year's day dinner recipes .
It's also a good source of protein and calcium. chicken casserole with evaporated milk is an alternative approach, but honestly, this is next level.
This dish is special because it balances creamy richness with simple flavours that appeal to everyone, even the picky eaters.
Let's get into the ingredients!
Right then, let's talk about what you'll actually need to whip up this chicken tetrazzini masterpiece! honestly, most of it is stuff you probably already have knocking about.
It's one of those simple easy family dinners that doesn't require a trip to some fancy foodie shop. let's dive in.
Ingredients: The All-Important Bits
Okay, so here's the breakdown. We'll keep it proper, with measurements and all that jazz.
Main Players - The Actual Food!
Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Make sure it's good quality, mind. You want it to be nice and pink, not pale and yucky. Honestly, good chicken makes a world of difference.
Spaghetti/Linguine: 1 lb (450g) . Use whatever you fancy, really. I've even used egg noodles when I was feeling a bit wild!
Cremini Mushrooms: 8 oz (225g) , sliced. Go for firm ones, yeah? Avoid the slimy ones. Nobody wants slimy mushrooms!
Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped. Honestly, don't skimp on the onion. It adds a proper depth of flavour.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Because garlic makes everything better. Fact.
All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . This is just to thicken up that gorgeous sauce.
Chicken Broth: 3 cups (710ml) . Low sodium is your friend here, so you can control the saltiness yourself.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . This is what makes it all gloriously creamy. You could use half and-half if you're feeling a bit virtuous, but honestly, go for the full cream!
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) , grated. And more for topping, obvs! Get the good stuff, the proper Parmesan. It's worth it. Trust me.
Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (57g) . These give it that lovely crispy topping.
Unsalted Butter: 4 tbsp (57g) + 2 tbsp (28g) , melted. For the sauce and the topping. Butter is ALWAYS good.
Seasoning Notes - The Flavour Magic
Right, spices! This is where you can really put your own stamp on things.
Essential Spice Combo: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Don't underestimate the nutmeg! It adds a subtle warmth. It elevates your Chicken Hotdish Recipes Easy Dinners .
Flavor Boosters: Honestly, a splash of cream sherry is amazing in this. But if you don't have any, don't sweat it. A bit of dry white wine works too.
Quick Swaps: No fresh garlic? Garlic powder will do in a pinch. Honestly, we've all been there.
Equipment - What You'll Need
Now, for the gear! Don't worry, nothing too fancy.
Large Skillet: For the chicken and the sauce.
Large Pot: For boiling the pasta, obviously.
9x13 Inch Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the whole shebang.
Whisk: Essential for a smooth sauce.
Colander: For draining the pasta.
Common Stand Ins
Honestly, if you don't have a proper whisk, a fork will do. and if you're short on a baking dish, any oven safe dish of about the same size will work.
Remember this tetrazzini recipe is all about making it easy!
So, there you have it! everything you need to get started on your cheesy chicken dinner adventure. this is one of those simple quick dinner ideas 3 ingredients you can tweak and make your own.
Go on, give it a go!
Right, let's get down to business and talk chicken tetrazzini . it's a bit of a throwback, innit? but honestly, it's proper comfort food and one of the simple easy family dinners think creamy, cheesy, and something the kids will actually eat.
I got this recipe from my nan, and she makes the best chicken tetra , the american way!.
Cooking Method: Champion Chicken Tetrazzini
Okay, so the trick to aceing Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is all in the prep. Proper mise en place, yeah?
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. this is what makes cooking a breeze! dice your onions, slice those mushrooms, and shred the chicken.
It helps! plus, don't forget to preheat your oven to 375° f ( 190° c) . it gets better when you have all the ingredients ready.
It is one of the best simple quick dinner ideas 3 ingredients .
Safety side note: Keep raw chicken separate from everything else. Nobody wants a dodgy tum!
The Tetrazzini Tango: step-by-step
Ready to get cooking?
- Chicken Time: Season your 1.5lbs (680g) of chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté in 1 tbsp of olive oil until it hits that internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C .
- Pasta Perfection: Cook 1lb (450g) of spaghetti until al dente. Nobody wants mushy pasta, right?
- Sauce It Up: Melt 4 tbsp of butter in a pan. Sauté the onions and 8 oz (225g) of mushrooms until soft, then chuck in 2 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant.
- Thicken That Sauce: Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 1 min. Then, gradually whisk in 3 cups of chicken broth until smooth. Simmer until it thickens a bit.
- Creamy Dreamy: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, and a pinch of nutmeg. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Oh my gosh!
- Mix It Up: Combine the cooked pasta and chicken with the sauce. Make sure everything is coated in the cheese sauce.
- Bake It! Pour into a greased dish, top with panko and melted butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake for 20- 25 mins until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Tetrazzini Titans
- Don't overcook the pasta! It needs to be al dente.
- For a fancier flavour, use a mix of mushroom types.
- Want to get ahead? Assemble everything beforehand and then bake when needed. This is the ultimate Simple Family Dinner Ideas .
Honestly, this chicken casserole with evaporated milk is a winner. you know, it’s not just a meal; it’s a memory waiting to happen, like those new year's day dinner recipes that stick with you! it's a really good chicken hotdish recipes easy dinners .
Enjoy your cheesy chicken dinner !
Alright, let's chat about the nitty gritty of my favourite Chicken Tetrazzini recipe . Honestly, it's one of those simple easy family dinners that just hits the spot, you know? Especially on a chilly evening, or even for New Year's Day dinner recipes , if you're feeling a bit fancy!
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Good!
Plating is key, right? i like to serve this cheesy chicken dinner in individual bowls. top with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a sprig of parsley.
Trust me, it looks fancy even if it's not. for sides, a crisp green salad is always a winner. it cuts through the richness of the chicken tetra perfectly.
And, of course, some warm garlic bread is a must for soaking up all that amazing sauce. maybe a glass of chilled pinot grigio? nice.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
Leftover chicken tetrazzini ? lucky you! fridge wise, it'll keep for about 3 days in an airtight container. freezing is an option, but the sauce might separate a bit when you reheat it.
Still tastes good, though. to reheat, just pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through. add a splash of milk or broth if it seems a bit dry.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
One thing i love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. need a simple quick dinner ideas 3 ingredients , think substitutions! if you're trying to be a bit healthier, you can easily swap out the heavy cream for evaporated milk.
You get that creamy texture without all the calories. for a seasonal twist, try adding some roasted butternut squash in the autumn.
It adds a lovely sweetness.
Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body!
Okay, so this isn't exactly a salad, but it's not terrible for you either. it's packed with protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese.
Chicken is a lean protein, which we need, right? it is important to know this chicken hotdish recipes easy dinners .
It contains carbohydrates, so it's a good way to keep you full for hours!. chicken casserole with evaporated milk is a comfort food.
Honestly? this chicken tetrazzini recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
And most importantly, enjoy! give it a try and see what you think. i'm sure it'll quickly become one of your go-to simple family dinner ideas .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken tetrazzini ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken tetrazzini is a great make-ahead dish, perfect if you're having the gang over for a dinner party. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, ensuring it's heated through properly. Just think of it as your little kitchen secret weapon!
What's the best way to store leftover chicken tetrazzini?
Pop any leftover chicken tetrazzini in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It'll keep well for 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave, but for best results, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating can help revive the creamy texture.
I'm watching my waistline is there a lighter version of chicken tetrazzini?
You bet! To lighten up your chicken tetrazzini without sacrificing flavour, swap the heavy cream for evaporated milk or half and-half. You could even use a light cream cheese. Also, using whole wheat pasta adds fibre, and reducing the amount of cheese is an easy win. Every little helps, as they say!
Can I substitute the cream sherry in this chicken tetrazzini recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the cream sherry. A dry sherry will work in a pinch, adding a similar nutty flavour. Alternatively, a splash of dry white wine can also be used. If you don't have either, simply omit it the dish will still be delicious.
It's all about making it work with what you've got, like a proper Mary Berry!
My tetrazzini is always a bit dry. How can I prevent that?
Ah, the dreaded dry tetrazzini! The key is to ensure the sauce is quite moist before baking, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid in the oven. Don't be shy with the chicken broth or cream when making the sauce.
Also, covering the dish loosely with foil for the first half of the baking time can help retain moisture.
Can I freeze chicken tetrazzini?
Freezing is possible, but the texture might change slightly, particularly with the pasta and sauce. To minimise this, cool the tetrazzini completely before freezing, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in a freezer safe container.
When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Be aware that the sauce might separate a bit upon thawing, but it will still be tasty!
Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 2-4g |
