Delicious Huntington Chicken: A Scrumptious Recipe to Try
The year was 1944 and the United States was fully engaged in World War II. Times were hard for many, but that didn’t stop home cooks from getting creative in the kitchen. One such recipe is the delicious Huntington Chicken.
This pasta casserole using cooked chicken adapted from favorite recipes across America was featured in Dairyland Features Recipes Submitted by Rosalea Murphy of New Mexico. Since then, this recipe has become a beloved classic in many households.
As a seasoned scribbler for food articles, I have tasted countless culinary creations from pancakes to spicy poblano omelettes. However, this dish still holds a special place in my heart, and I am here today to share with you what makes this dish so special.
From its simple yet savory ingredients of cream cheese, chicken broth, pepper and pimiento to its rich buttery flavor and tender macaroni noodles – this rich and satisfying recipe will leave you licking your plate clean. The Huntington Chicken is perfect for a dinner party or family gathering as it is simple to make and can be customized to suit individual preferences.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, this chicken recipe adapted from 1944 will awaken your taste buds and leave them craving more. So without further ado, let’s get started on making the delicious Huntington Chicken right now!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of classic comfort food that delivers both taste and pleasure? Then look no further than the Huntington Chicken (1944) recipe. This chicken casserole is a twist on a classic recipe that has become a favorite across America. And once you try it, you’ll quickly understand why it’s so popular.
Firstly, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for those with busy lifestyles. You don’t need to be an expert chef to cook this dish. With just a few simple ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens, you can whip up an appetizing casserole in no time.
Secondly, the recipe is versatile and can be tailored to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier casserole, you can add extra pepper or chilies for a burst of flavor. Alternatively, if you prefer it milder, just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Thirdly, this pasta casserole using cooked chicken is an excellent way to use up leftover chicken from your previous meal. You can save money and reduce food waste while still enjoying fresh meals.
Fourthly, Huntington Chicken was adapted from a favorite recipe in dairyland America submitted back in 1944. The original recipe was created by the residents of Buena Park and adapted by a home chef in New Mexico. The dish has stood the test of time and remains an all-time favorite today due to its amazing taste.
In conclusion, including Huntington Chicken as part of your regular meal rotation means enjoying comfort food any night of the week without spending hours slaving over the stove or breaking the bank. With its ease of preparation, versatility and affordability, it’s clear why people across America continue to love this dish!
Ingredient List
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Cooked chicken: You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. I usually shred a rotisserie chicken for this recipe.
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Macaroni: 8 ounces of macaroni, cooked according to the package instructions.
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Butter: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of unsalted butter.
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Flour: 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
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Chicken broth: 2 cups of chicken broth.
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Salt water: 1 tablespoon of salt dissolved in 1 cup of warm water.
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Cream cheese: 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened.
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Pimiento: 2 tablespoons of diced pimiento.
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Salt and pepper: To taste.
The Recipe How-To
Here is how to make the Huntington Chicken recipe that will impress every guest at your next party.
Step 1: Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
Take out a mixing bowl and add 8oz of softened cream cheese. Mix in a quarter cup of chicken broth, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of pepper until it’s smooth. Then, stir in one jar of chopped pimiento, and set this mixture aside.
Step 2: Making the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take out your baking dish, preferably a 9×13 inch one, and spread a layer of cooked macaroni as a base. This recipe is also suitable for creating other pasta dishes, such as lasagna, by using this macaroni layer only as a base.
Now,place small pieces or shredded cooked chicken over the noodles, followed by another layer of macaroni on top. Slowly spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of this second layer until it is used up. Then, end with yet another layer of macaroni.
Step 3: Topping and Baking
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwaves in a high heat or using stovetop then add mixed with half-cup flour.
After that, pour over this mixture with 2 cups of boiling water mixed with 2 teaspoons seasoning salt (or any type of salt will do if you don’t have it available) into the baking dish. Stir thoroughly making sure top layers are well-coated until everything seems blended together.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional ten minutes more until lightly browned. You’ll know it’s done when the filling has set and the pasta is fully cooked.
Take it out from the oven and let it cool down for at least five minutes before serving.
That’s it! I promise that everyone will love your Huntington Chicken as much as mine does.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to add a twist to your classic huntington chicken recipe, you can easily incorporate some substitutions and variations using ingredients that best suit your taste.
One of the most common substitutes for cooked chicken is roasted turkey. Thanksgiving leftovers come in handy when making a hearty turkey huntington casserole. You can also try adding some sliced mushrooms or chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the dish. This will not only increase nutritional value but also make it more flavorful.
Another variation that you can try is to add pasta in your casserole. A pasta casserole using cooked chicken is both rich and filling. You can experiment with different pasta shapes like macaroni or shells, and even layer it between the chicken and cheese mixture. Don’t forget to boil the pasta in salt water first before adding them into your baking pan.
For a spicy southwestern twist on this classic recipe, you can add some diced chilies or jalapenos to give it a kick. Try substituting cream cheese with sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Lastly, if you prefer a low-fat version of huntington chicken, you can try using reduced-fat cream cheese or milk instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute all-purpose flour with wheat flour to boost its nutritional content.
Remember, this recipe is versatile so feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own spin on this 1944 classic dish!
Serving and Pairing
Huntington Chicken 1944 is a meal that can be served as the main course any day of the week. This pasta casserole using cooked chicken has a creamy texture with a mildly sweet taste from the pimiento that complements the salt and pepper flavors in the dish. The dish pairs nicely with a side salad or garlic bread.
For a green salad, I recommend using simple and fresh ingredients such as lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocados, and light balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The salad gives the perfect balance to the rich chicken casserole, making it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.
If you’re looking to make it a heartier meal, you can add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. They can provide added texture and nutrition.
If you are serving Huntington Chicken for brunch, pair your casserole with pancakes or an IHOP Spicy Poblano Omelette. Both options add a contrasting flavor of spiciness and sweetness to the mild taste of Huntington Chicken.
For an interesting twist, you can also use this recipe for filling of enchiladas or as a topping for nachos. For an additional side dish, you could also prepare chicken fajita omelette and serve it together.
Overall, this dish is versatile to different tastes and occasions but works best as a comforting home-style meal shared with family and loved ones.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to party planning, I know you want to have as much done ahead of time as possible. Luckily, this Huntington Chicken pasta casserole is a great candidate for make-ahead preparation. Simply assemble the casserole as outlined in the recipe instructions up to the point of baking it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a great option for weeknight dinners or even for holiday gatherings.
If you do make the Huntington Chicken pasta casserole ahead of time, keep in mind that it will take a bit longer to bake than if it were freshly assembled. Plan on adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure that the casserole is heated all the way through.
Storing leftovers is simple as well. Just transfer any remaining casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It should keep for up to three days in the refrigerator.
Reheating the leftover casserole is easy too. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave, or heat the entire pan in your oven (covered with foil) at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). If you find that your casserole has dried out a bit during storage or reheating, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or milk before reheating to moisten it up.
Whether you’re looking for an easy make-ahead dinner option or simply trying to minimize your prep work on party day, this Huntington Chicken pasta casserole won’t let you down.
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving a perfectly cooked and delectable meal can be a challenge. Here are some essential tips to ensure that your macaroni casserole using cooked chicken adapted from the Huntington Chicken 1944 recipe is a success.
Firstly, make sure that you evenly cook your pasta. The ideal texture for the macaroni is firm to the bite. I highly recommend adding salt water to achieve the perfect taste.
Secondly, use quality ingredients when making your chicken broth. Ingredients such as pepper, onion, garlic, and celery complement each other very well when making a savory broth. Use low-fat cream cheese as this keeps the casserole creamy without too many calories.
Thirdly, mix the flour and butter equally to create a smooth paste. This butter-flour mixture, known as a roux, adds thickness and richness to your dish.
Fourthly, add pimiento into the recipe to give it that extra zesty sweetness. Pimiento brings out the flavor in the macaroni casserole without overpowering the taste of the chicken.
Lastly, when baking your casserole, cover it with foil for the first 20-25 minutes of cooking to ensure that it heats evenly. After this time has elapsed, remove the foil cover to brown up the top layer of pasta and cheese for an added crunch.
By following these tips and incorporating them into your cooking process, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with perfectly prepared Huntington Chicken Casserole!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a hearty and delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests, then Huntington Chicken 1944 is the perfect recipe for you. The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and tender pasta makes for a mouth-watering casserole that is both savory and satisfying. You’ll love how easy it is to make and customize to your taste.
Not only is this recipe an adaptation of one of America’s favorite recipes, but it also features ingredients that are commonly found in any kitchen. You can make it using cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken along with other pantry staples such as flour, butter, cream cheese, saltwater, pimiento, and chicken broth.
As a home chef, you can get creative with this recipe by adding your own unique touches such as more herbs and spices or different types of pasta. In addition to being a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings, huntington chicken 1944 can also be prepared ahead of time and reheated for later meals.
So why not take a page out of history and serve up this classic dish? Give it a try today and discover why Huntington Chicken 1944 has stood the test of time as one of the best casserole recipes out there. Trust me; your guests will thank you for serving up this timeless treat.
Huntington Chicken (1944) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni, uncooked
- boiling salt water
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, cut up (8 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons pimiento, finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth, heated
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Stir in flour.
- Add cream and stir until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Add cream cheese, pimiento, and chicken broth, and stir until cream cheese melts.
- Add chicken and macaroni. Stir well.
- Pour into a lightly greased casserole dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until bubbly.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!