Savory Smothered Chicken Delight
This Savory Smothered Chicken Delight is a comforting and quick meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Utilizing your leftover chicken from various sources—whether it's from a homemade roast, a deli, or even frozen leftovers—this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful dish. The rich and creamy chicken gravy, combined with tender sautéed onions and fresh mushrooms, envelops the chicken in a warm hug of taste. Served over egg noodles, this dish is easy to whip up in under 30 minutes and is sure to satisfy the whole family.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
onion
1 cup (sliced)
fresh mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
chicken gravy
1 (12 ounce) jar (jarred or homemade)
cooked leftover chicken
1 - 1 1/2 lb (shredded or cubed)
parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the sliced onions and mushrooms to the pan, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes or until the onions are translucent and mushrooms are tender.
3
Pour in the jar of chicken gravy, stirring to combine the ingredients.
4
Add the shredded or cubed leftover chicken, ensuring it is well coated in the gravy.
5
Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and flavors meld together.
6
Remove the cover, stir gently, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
7
Serve the savory chicken over a bed of warm egg noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Smothered Chicken Delight?
It is a comforting and quick meal made with leftover chicken, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and a rich chicken gravy served over egg noodles.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be prepared and served in under 30 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What type of chicken should I use?
You can use any cooked leftover chicken, whether it is from a roast, a deli rotisserie chicken, or even frozen cooked leftovers.
Can I use frozen leftover chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken; just ensure it is heated through completely during the cooking process.
What side dish is recommended for this recipe?
This dish is best served over a bed of warm egg noodles.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, because it uses precooked chicken and jarred gravy, it is an ideal easy dinner for busy nights.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include butter, onions, fresh mushrooms, chicken gravy, cooked chicken, and parsley for garnish.
Should the mushrooms be fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use homemade gravy instead of jarred?
Absolutely, you can use either a 12-ounce jar of store-bought gravy or an equivalent amount of homemade chicken gravy.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be sliced to provide a nice texture to the smothered chicken.
How long do I need to sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the sliced onions and mushrooms for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Do I need to cook the chicken from raw in the skillet?
No, this recipe specifically utilizes already cooked leftover chicken to save time.
What kind of butter is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Can I substitute the butter?
Yes, you could use olive oil or margarine, though butter provides a richer flavor for the sautéed vegetables.
Is this chicken dish spicy?
No, this is a savory and creamy dish focused on comfort flavors rather than heat.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the chicken is heated through and the flavors have melded, typically after 5-10 minutes of simmering.
What is the suggested garnish?
A tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley is recommended to add a pop of color and freshness.
Can I use other types of pasta?
While egg noodles are traditional for smothered chicken, you could also serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or other pasta shapes.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, the mild flavors and creamy sauce make it a popular choice for both children and adults.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, peas or sliced carrots would make excellent additions to the gravy mixture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, the chicken and gravy mixture can be frozen, though the texture of the gravy may change slightly upon thawing.
What if I don't have egg noodles?
Mashed potatoes or steamed white rice are perfect alternatives for soaking up the savory gravy.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based oil and ensure your chicken gravy is dairy-free.
What size jar of gravy is required?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce jar of chicken gravy.
How much chicken do I need exactly?
You will need between 1 and 1.5 pounds of cooked chicken, either shredded or cubed.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, this recipe is a great way to use up leftover holiday turkey as well.
Is this a one-pan meal?
The chicken and sauce are made in a single large skillet, though the noodles are typically boiled in a separate pot.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized as a meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.