CREAMED CHICKEN IN A BASKET

Creamed Chicken in a Basket image

Chunks of tender chicken in a creamy sauce are spooned into puff pastry shells in this delicious dish, which has long been one of our family's favorites. I served it to my husband and our five children for years...and it is now a "must" for our Easter brunch. -Sue Bolsinger, Anchorage, Alaska

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8-10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

6 bone-in chicken breast halves (about 4 pounds)
1 small onion, quartered
2 celery ribs with leaves, cut into chunks
2-1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons salt, divided
6 whole peppercorns
8 to 10 frozen puff pastry shells
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound fresh mushroom, sliced
1 can (5 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups heavy whipping cream

Steps:

Place the chicken, onion, celery, water, 1 teaspoon salt and peppercorns in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil; skim foam. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 35-40 minutes or until a thermometer reaches 170°. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon; set aside until cool enough to handle. Bake pastry shells according to package directions., Remove chicken from bones; cut into cubes and set aside. Discard skin and bones. Strain broth, discarding vegetables and peppercorns. Set aside 2 cups broth (save remaining broth for another use)., In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add reserved broth, nutmeg, pepper and remaining salt. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in the mushrooms, water chestnuts, pimientos, lemon juice and chicken. Return to the heat. Gradually stir in cream and heat through (do not boil). Spoon into pastry shells.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 471 calories, Fat 38g fat (19g saturated fat), Cholesterol 90mg cholesterol, Sodium 701mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 5g protein.