2008 October 15 | dinner with Julie

Archive for October 15th, 2008

Day 289: Classy Chicken

OK, it was turkey again. But I have to call it Classy Chicken because that’s what it was – an old recipe from The Best of Bridge - a tin-of-soup-and-mayo casserole that remains my Dad’s favourite dinner and when I was a kid, taught me what opaque meant. (As in, saute the peppered chicken until it turns opaque.) Classy chicken (or turkey, as the case may be) can be served with rice, but around here it must be served with mashed potatoes, which I also happen to have extra of. The very best part is the crispy golden ring around the edges it produces in the oven.

This, to me, is the quintessential after-school-special dinner that still makes me feel like I have homework to do. After eating it, I actually had the urge to go up to my room and call my friends without my sisters listening in on the other line.

I’m going to post the original B of B recipe – it has not been referred to for years, as my entire family knows this by heart. Looking it up now I didn’t even realize asparagus was an option – it’s just so much a chicken and broccoli bake. I use a bunch of broccoli, (usually) leftover roast chicken or turkey, low fat cream of mushroom soup and a big spoonful of low fat mayo – likely closer to 1/4 cup than to 1/2. And a little more curry powder, if my Mom isn’t eating it. Tonight I used up the last of a bag of pre-grated white cheeses leftover from foodstyling last week.

Classy Chicken

(from Winners -page 85 – and The Best of the Best)

3 chicken breasts, skinned & boned
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 Tbsp. oil
1 – 10 oz. (280 g) pkg. frozen asparagus or broccoli (fresh is even better)
1 – 10 oz. (284 ml) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1 tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 – 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with pepper. Saute quickly in oil over medium heat just until opaque (don’t overcook – the chicken will get tough!) Drain. Cook asparagus or broccoli until crunchy. Drain and arrange in bottom of buttered casserole. Place chicken on top. Mix together soup, mayonnaise, curry and lemon juice and pour over chicken. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bake, uncovered, at 350F for 30-35 minutes. Serves 6.