Sunshine Chicken Strata

Sunshine Chicken Strata Recipe - A Hearty and Flavorful Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 8

Introduction

Sunshine Chicken Strata is a delicious and comforting casserole dish that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. This dish is made with layers of bread, chicken, cheese, and a creamy sauce that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

The origins of Sunshine Chicken Strata are not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States as a way to use up leftover chicken and bread. Over the years, this dish has become a popular choice for brunches, potlucks, and family dinners.

Ingredients

10 slices of cubed day-old home-style bread with crusts removed
6 cups of diced cooked chicken
1 small can of mushrooms, drained and diced
1 small can of water chestnuts, drained and diced
10 slices of american cheese
0.5 cup of mayonnaise
4 eggs, well beaten
2 cups of milk
1 tsp of salt
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of cream of celery soup
1 small jar of pimentos
2 cups of plain bread crumbs

Sauce

0.5 cup of butter
8 oz (227 g) of fresh mushrooms
0.25 cup of flour
2 cups of chicken broth
0.25 cup of cream
0.13 tsp of paprika
0.5 tsp of fresh lemon juice
Fresh parsley for garnish

How to prepare

Lay the cubed bread on the bottom of a buttered pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and mayonnaise. Spread this mixture over the bread cubes.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and milk. Spread this mixture over the chicken layer.
Place cheese slices on top of the egg layer.
In a separate bowl, mix the soups together and spread this mixture over the cheese layer.
Arrange pimentos over the top of the soup layer.
Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate overnight.
Remove the foil and sprinkle bread crumbs over the dish before baking.
Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C).
Spoon the sauce over the top.
To make the sauce, place all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or spinach to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for a different flavor profile.
Substitute turkey or ham for the chicken for a different twist on this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use day-old bread for the best texture in this dish.

- Be sure to refrigerate the casserole overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or cheeses.

- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sunshine Chicken Strata with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to refrigerate the casserole overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Bake the casserole covered with foil to prevent the top from burning.

- Spoon the sauce over the top of the casserole before serving for added flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise for a lighter option.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Sunshine Chicken Strata can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight before baking. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Sunshine Chicken Strata with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor. Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Sunshine Chicken Strata with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Sunshine Chicken Strata can be stored 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 Sunshine Chicken Strata contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sunshine Chicken Strata contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sunshine Chicken Strata contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Sunshine Chicken Strata contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sunshine Chicken Strata is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, milk, cream) and wheat (bread crumbs), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Sunshine Chicken Strata is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sunshine Chicken Strata is a delicious and comforting casserole dish that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. With layers of bread, chicken, cheese, and a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Sunshine Chicken Strata. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, for our weekly knitting circle. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on tea and gossiping about the latest neighborhood news, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry.

She emerged with a tattered old notebook in hand, a twinkle in her eye as she flipped through the pages. "I have a special recipe I want to share with you, dear," she said with a smile. "It's a family favorite, passed down through generations."

Mrs. Jenkins handed me the notebook, and I eagerly scanned the page she had opened to. The title read "Sunshine Chicken Strata," and my mouth watered as I read through the ingredients and instructions. Layers of chicken, veggies, cheese, and bread soaked in a savory egg mixture - it sounded absolutely delicious.

Mrs. Jenkins explained that the recipe had been given to her by her own grandmother, who had learned it from a friend who had traveled to Europe and brought back the recipe. It had quickly become a staple in their household, and Mrs. Jenkins had continued to make it for her own family over the years.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn such a cherished recipe, and Mrs. Jenkins graciously offered to walk me through the steps of making it. We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, shredding chicken, and assembling the layers of the strata. As the savory aroma filled the room and the dish baked to golden perfection, I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own home as well.

Over the years, I have made Sunshine Chicken Strata countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a cozy dinner at home. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of that special day with Mrs. Jenkins, when I learned not just a recipe, but a piece of her family's history.

As I pass on the recipe to my own grandchildren, I tell them the story of how I came to learn it and how it has become a tradition in our family. I hope that they will treasure it as much as I do, and that it will bring them as much joy and comfort as it has brought me over the years.

So, here's to Sunshine Chicken Strata - a recipe that has not only filled our bellies but also warmed our hearts with its delicious flavors and the memories that are attached to it. I am grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for sharing this treasure with me, and I will always hold it dear to my heart.