Manhattan Chicken: A Vintage Easter Dish with a Taste of New York

Hey there, food lovers! With Easter just around the corner, I’m thrilled to share a special recipe that brings the nostalgic charm of New York right to your holiday table. This dish, Manhattan Chicken, is a true classic. Imagine a cozy gathering on a chilly New York afternoon, filled with loved ones, laughter, and, of course, delicious food. This chicken casserole, with its creamy mushroom sauce, tender chicken, and hint of paprika, carries that warmth. And while it’s perfect for Easter, this dish feels like a hug on any day of the year.

There’s something about Manhattan Chicken that makes it timeless. I came across this recipe in an old community cookbook, and it instantly reminded me of traditional holiday meals with my family. My grandmother used to make this dish or something similar every year, and the aroma would fill our entire home, bringing everyone to the table. Easter, for me, isn’t complete without a dish like this—simple, full of flavor, and rich with memories. And while it may have a vintage feel, it’s versatile enough for modern diets; it’s delicious whether you’re keto or not. So, let’s get started and create something truly special for this Easter!

Why We Love Manhattan Chicken
Ingredients & Substitutions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips & Tricks
Serving Suggestions
Nutritional Benefits
My Personal Story with Manhattan Chicken
Conclusion

Why We Love Manhattan Chicken

Manhattan Chicken has a special charm that makes it a go-to recipe for holiday gatherings. Here’s why this dish is a family favorite:

Nostalgic Comfort: There’s something so heartwarming about traditional recipes, and this one feels like a tribute to classic American home-cooked meals. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, inviting everyone to gather around.
Versatile Appeal: Whether you’re keto or not, this recipe has a wide appeal. For those on a low-carb diet, it’s naturally suited for keto, with protein-rich chicken, creamy sauce, and minimal carbs. And if you’re not following keto, you can add your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or warm bread rolls.
Simple yet Elegant: While it’s straightforward to make, Manhattan Chicken has an elegant touch that’s worthy of a holiday meal. The creamy mushroom sauce is luxurious and rich, yet balanced by the subtle warmth of paprika and earthy shiitake mushrooms.
One-Pan Wonder: Easter can be a busy day, so a dish like this that only requires one pan for baking is a lifesaver! It’s easy to assemble and lets you spend more time with family and less time cleaning up.

Ingredients & Substitutions of Manhattan Chicken

The following ingredients create the traditional version of Manhattan Chicken. Feel free to adjust them based on what you have on hand or to suit your dietary needs!

Classic Ingredients

4 pounds chicken tenderloins – Tenderloins yield the best, juiciest results, but chicken breasts work too.
Salt and pepper – Add according to taste.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
5 ounces shiitake mushrooms – Shiitake mushrooms bring a deep, earthy flavor, but baby bellas or white mushrooms are good substitutes.
8 ounces sour cream – Adds creaminess; Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option.
10.5-ounce can cream of mushroom soup – This is the base of the creamy sauce; you can make a homemade version if you want a fresher, lower-sodium option.
1/4 cup chicken broth – Keeps the dish moist and flavorful.
1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds a warm, smoky touch to the casserole.

Keto Modifications

To keep the recipe keto-friendly, make the following adjustments:

Substitute sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt for fewer carbs.
Replace cream of mushroom soup with a homemade blend of heavy cream and sautéed mushrooms.
Use only fresh ingredients and check for any added sugars in pre-packaged ingredients, like the cream of mushroom soup, if you’re keeping it keto.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this timeless Easter dish, step by step!

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Arrange the chicken in a 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.
Season the chicken with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and onion powder, adjusting the seasoning to your taste preferences.
Combine the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until smooth and creamy. This rich sauce will soak into the chicken and mushrooms as it bakes.
Layer the mushrooms over the seasoned chicken. This gives the dish that earthy, classic New York feel.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and mushrooms, using tongs to coat everything evenly.
Sprinkle paprika Add a dusting of paprika on top to enhance both the flavor and visual appeal, bringing a rich, smoky kick and a burst of color to your dish.
Bake for 45 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is bubbling and the top is lightly golden.
Rest before serving: Let the dish sit for about 5–10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Tricks

These tips will help you get the most out of your Manhattan Chicken!

Storage: For optimal freshness, store any remaining food in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay good for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving to maintain its best flavor and texture. Reheat gently to keep the chicken moist.
Make it ahead: You can assemble this dish the night before and bake it fresh on Easter day. This helps to save time on the big day!
For a low-carb twist: Serve with cauliflower mash or a green salad for a keto-friendly meal.

Serving Suggestions

Manhattan Chicken is versatile and pairs well with a range of sides. Here are a few ideas:

For keto diners: Serve with a light side like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a creamy cauliflower mash.
For non-keto diners: Mashed potatoes, buttery dinner rolls, or wild rice work wonderfully with this dish.

Nutritional Benefits of Manhattan Chicken

Manhattan Chicken is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits:

Protein-Packed: With chicken as the main ingredient, this dish provides plenty of lean protein to support muscle health and energy.
High in B Vitamins and Selenium: Chicken tenderloins are rich in B vitamins (especially B3 and B6), which support brain health, as well as selenium, a mineral essential for immune function.
Low-Carb Friendly: With just a few carbs per serving, this dish is suitable for keto diets.
Source of Antioxidants: Mushrooms contain antioxidants, which help combat inflammation and support immune health.

My Personal Story with Manhattan Chicken

Every time I make Manhattan Chicken, I’m taken back to Easter celebrations in my childhood. My first time trying this dish was as a little girl sitting at my grandmother’s Easter table. The rich aroma of creamy mushroom sauce, combined with the tender chicken, created a comfort I’ll never forget. I remember watching her make it every year, adding her own personal touches and telling stories about how this recipe reminded her of the early days in New York.

Years later, when I decided to recreate this dish for my own family, I realized just how special it was. The first time I made it, my kids gathered around, and I could see the same sense of wonder in their eyes that I had as a child. Now, every Easter, I bring this dish to our table, and it has become a tradition that we look forward to. My grandmother’s memory lives on in this dish, and sharing it with you feels like passing on a piece of that family warmth.

Conclusion

Manhattan Chicken is a classic recipe that brings the warmth of New York to any Easter table. It’s a creamy, flavorful, and heartwarming dish that’s easy to make, whether you’re following keto or prefer a classic version with mashed potatoes on the side. I truly hope this recipe finds its way into your holiday celebrations, becoming a beloved tradition in your home just as it has in mine.

Don’t hesitate to give it a try, and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! I’m excited to hear about your experience with the recipe. Share your experience in the comments below, rate the recipe, or explore more of my vintage-inspired dishes for more Easter inspiration. Wishing you all a beautiful, warm, and flavorful Easter!

More to Savor

Serve alongside a hearty HelloFresh Meatloaf with a Rustic Twist for a comforting Easter feast.
Pair with Spinach Dip Recipe for a creamy, indulgent side.
Complement with the zesty BBQ Chicken Pizza for a casual twist on chicken.
For dessert, enjoy the rich Keto Cheesecake Recipe.
Add a refreshing touch with How to Make Shaved Ice for a cool finish.