Buttery Chicken Delight

Buttery Chicken Delight Recipe - Delicious Chicken with Celery and Sour Cream

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 35 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

This Buttery Chicken Delight recipe is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender chicken, creamy soups, sour cream, and buttery crackers creates a rich and flavorful casserole that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

The origins of Buttery Chicken Delight are unclear, but it is a classic American casserole that has been enjoyed by families for generations. This recipe is a popular choice for potlucks, church suppers, and holiday gatherings due to its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavors.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) broiler-fryer chicken
1 qt (946 ml) water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
8 oz (227 g) sour cream
1 tsp pepper
16 oz (454 g) package oval-shaped buttery crackers, crushed
0.25 cup melted butter

How to prepare

Combine the first 4 ingredients in a large Dutch oven.
Bring the mixture to a boil and cover.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour.
Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly.
Skin and bone the chicken, then cut it into bite-size pieces.
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken, Cream of Chicken soup, and the next 3 ingredients, stirring well.
Place half of the crushed crackers in a lightly greased baking dish and spoon the chicken mixture over the crackers.
Top with the remaining crackers and drizzle with butter.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35 minutes.

Variations

Substitute cream of mushroom soup for the cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
Add cooked vegetables such as peas, carrots, or broccoli to the chicken mixture for added nutrition.
Use crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs instead of crackers for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the chicken in the water with salt and pepper for at least 1 hour to ensure that it is tender and flavorful.

- Let the chicken cool slightly before cutting it into bite-size pieces to prevent burning yourself.

- Crush the crackers to your desired consistency for a crunchy topping.

- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole before baking to create a golden and crispy crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Buttery Chicken Delight with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chicken in water before baking ensures that it is tender and juicy.

- Baking the casserole at a lower temperature allows the flavors to meld together slowly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken for convenience.

- Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a lighter option.

- Crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of crackers for the topping.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished casserole with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Buttery Chicken Delight with a side of buttered noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Buttery Chicken Delight contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Buttery Chicken Delight contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Buttery Chicken Delight contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Buttery Chicken Delight contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and gluten (crackers) allergens.

Summary

Buttery Chicken Delight is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Buttery Chicken Delight is a classic and comforting casserole that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its creamy and buttery flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a sunny afternoon in the summer of 1965, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little cottage by the countryside. Martha was an amazing cook, and I always looked forward to our visits because she would always whip up the most delicious dishes.

That day, Martha was in high spirits as she busied herself in the kitchen, preparing a special dinner for us. The tantalizing aroma of herbs and spices filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel eager to see what she was cooking up. As I sat at the kitchen table, sipping on a cup of tea, Martha suddenly turned to me with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Betty, I have a new recipe that I think you'll absolutely love," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "It's a Buttery Chicken Delight that I learned from my grandmother, and it's simply divine."

My mouth watered at the mention of the dish, and I couldn't wait to see Martha in action. She handed me a worn-out recipe card with faded ink, and I could see that it had been passed down through generations. The ingredients were simple and the instructions were straightforward, but I knew that the magic was in the hands of the cook.

As Martha guided me through the process of making Buttery Chicken Delight, I was amazed at how effortlessly she moved around the kitchen. Her hands worked like a well-oiled machine, chopping, stirring, and seasoning with precision. I watched in awe as she transformed the humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that was golden brown and glistening with butter.

When the dish was finally ready, Martha served it up on a bed of fluffy white rice, garnished with fresh herbs from her garden. The first bite was a revelation - the chicken was tender and juicy, with a rich and buttery flavor that melted in my mouth. I couldn't believe that something so simple could taste so heavenly.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Martha regaled me with stories of her grandmother, who was a renowned cook in the village. She spoke of how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to create dishes that would make everyone's mouths water. Martha had inherited her grandmother's love for cooking, and she had passed down her recipes to me.

That evening, as I bid farewell to Martha and made my way back home, I carried with me not just the recipe for Buttery Chicken Delight, but also a newfound appreciation for the art of cooking. I couldn't wait to try out the recipe for myself and share it with my family and friends.

Over the years, I have made Buttery Chicken Delight countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with neighbors, colleagues, and even strangers who have become friends after tasting it. Each time I cook up a batch of Buttery Chicken Delight, I am reminded of that sunny afternoon in Martha's kitchen, and I feel grateful for the gift of good food and good company.

Now, as I pass on the recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will enjoy making Buttery Chicken Delight as much as I have. Remember that the secret ingredient is not just butter and chicken, but love and care that you put into every dish you create. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the warm aroma of delicious food and cherished memories.