Introduction: A Simple Meal Loved by Generations
Quick and Easy Chicken Squares – a name that hints at the recipe’s true essence: a remarkably uncomplicated yet deeply satisfying meal. This isn’t a fussy, time-consuming dish requiring a pantry full of exotic ingredients or a culinary degree. Instead, it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, well-executed, and imbued with generations of family tradition. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through the Lemp family, originating with my mother-in-law and continuing to bring smiles to faces young and old. Family Meals The core of this recipe isn’t just about the taste – although the creamy, savory combination of chicken, cream cheese, and broccoli is undeniably delicious. It’s about the memories associated with it. I remember my own childhood, sitting around the dinner table with my family, everyone enjoying these squares. It’s a comforting dish that instantly evokes feelings of warmth and togetherness. It’s a recipe that connects us to the past and provides a shared experience for future generations. Comfort Food Recipes The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It’s a blank canvas for your creativity – you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and what’s on hand. But at its heart, it remains a truly classic dish, a staple in countless family dinners across the country. Think of it as more than just a recipe; consider it a piece of culinary heritage, a little slice of happiness you can create with just a few simple components. It’s a tradition, honestly. Easy Dinner Recipes And that, in essence, is what makes Quick and Easy Chicken Squares so special – it’s a recipe that’s not just about what you eat, but about who you share it with.
The Family Legacy: How This Recipe Came to Be
This recipe, affectionately known as ‘Chicken Squares,’ isn’t just a meal; it’s a tangible connection to generations of the Lemp family. It began with my mother-in-law, Sarah, and has been a staple in our family for as long as I can remember. It’s a tradition passed down through countless family gatherings, holiday meals, and simple weeknight dinners. Comfort food at its finest, it represents warmth, togetherness, and a genuine love for good, honest food.
My husband, David, has recounted stories of his childhood spent eagerly anticipating these chicken squares. He vividly remembers helping his own father, my father-in-law, prepare them – a task that involved a lot of laughter, a little bit of chaos, and the distinct aroma of butter and baking crescent rolls. Crescent rolls have always been a critical component; David believes it was his grandmother who first championed the use of them, simply because they were so easy and provided the perfect shape for building these little pockets of flavor. He tells me that the initial inspiration came from a desire to create a meal that was both substantial and quick – something the whole family could enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen. Quick and easy recipes were always valued in the Lemp household, reflecting a practical and resourceful approach to cooking.
It’s fascinating to consider how this recipe evolved over time. I’ve spoken with several of David’s siblings, and they all share similar memories – recollections of family members experimenting with different additions, from chopped vegetables to different cheeses. Cheese recipes were particularly popular; each person added their own small tweak, making it a collaborative creation. There wasn’t a ‘set’ version; it always adapted to what was available and what everyone was craving. The foundational elements – the chicken, the crescent rolls, and the creamy filling – remained constant, but the personality of the squares shifted slightly with each iteration. This fluidity, this willingness to embrace variations, is what makes the recipe feel so uniquely ours. It’s a testament to the enduring power of family tradition and the joy of sharing a beloved meal. Family recipes like this one are far more than just instructions; they’re vessels of memories and connections. I truly believe that every time I make these chicken squares, I’m not just feeding my family; I’m continuing a legacy of love and deliciousness. The simple act of baking them transforms into a moment of connection and remembrance, a link to the past that I cherish deeply.
Key Ingredients for Success: Building Your Chicken Squares
Let’s talk about the building blocks of this incredibly comforting and quick meal – the ingredients that truly elevate the Quick & Easy Chicken Squares from a simple dish to a family favorite. It’s surprising how much the quality and freshness of these components contribute to the final taste and texture. Don’t underestimate the importance of starting with good basics.
First and foremost, you’ll need a generous amount of cooked chicken – approximately 2 cups, shredded or cubed. The flavor of the chicken is paramount, so opting for a rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It provides a rich, pre-seasoned base that requires minimal additional flavoring. Alternatively, you could cook your own chicken breasts – chicken breasts – and dice them after they’ve cooled. For a more intense chicken flavor, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces and shredding the meat off the bones – that rendered fat adds a remarkable depth of flavor. Make sure it’s thoroughly cooled before adding it to the mix.
Next, you’ll need cream cheese – 6 ounces. This acts as the binder for the squares, creating a wonderfully creamy and melty center. Full-fat cream cheese is highly recommended; it provides the richest flavor and best texture. Don’t skimp here – cream cheese makes a massive difference.
Then there’s the broccoli. A bag of frozen broccoli – approximately 8 ounces – is perfect. Frozen broccoli retains its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture remarkably well. It’s a convenient way to ensure you always have a nutritious component to the dish. Frozen broccoli is a great time saver and avoids any issues with fresh broccoli going bad.
Don’t forget the butter! 4 tablespoons of butter is an optional, but highly recommended addition. The butter adds richness and a beautiful golden-brown crust to the chicken squares. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the dish. Unsalted butter offers greater flexibility.
Finally, for the crescent rolls – you’ll need 2 packages, 8 ounces each. Good quality crescent rolls are crucial. Aldi often provides excellent value, Aldi crescent rolls are frequently cited as a favorite. Make sure they’re fresh for the best results.
With these ingredients – a flavorful chicken, creamy cream cheese, crisp-tender broccoli, a touch of butter, and quality crescent rolls – you’ll be well on your way to creating a comforting and delicious meal that everyone in the family will adore. Don’t be afraid to experiment with slight variations to suit your personal preferences – perhaps adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Chicken Squares with Ease
Let’s get started crafting this beloved family recipe! These Chicken Squares are remarkably simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want a comforting, familiar meal. The key is in the layering and assembly – don’t rush it, and you’ll have a delicious result. Follow these detailed instructions:
1. Preparing the Base: Begin by gently melting the 6 ounces of cream cheese [cream cheese] in a saucepan over low heat. It’s crucial to keep the heat low to prevent the cream cheese from separating. Stir constantly until it’s completely smooth and pliable. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once melted, transfer the cream cheese mixture to a medium bowl.
2. Combining the Ingredients: Add the 2 cups of shredded or cubed cooked chicken [cooked chicken] to the bowl with the melted cream cheese. Now, incorporate the 1 bag of frozen broccoli [frozen broccoli], which we’ll ensure is fully thawed and drained – a good tip is to microwave it for a couple of minutes to expedite the process. Finally, stir in the 4 tablespoons of butter [butter], if you’re using it; the butter adds a lovely richness to the squares.
3. Shaping the Squares: This is where the fun begins! Take two triangle-shaped crescent roll dough sheets [crescent rolls] from the package. Join the two together, forming a square shape. This creates a sturdy base for your filling. Now, using a spoon, carefully drop generous spoonfuls of the chicken and broccoli mixture [chicken and broccoli mixture] onto the square of dough, spacing them evenly. Don’t overfill – you want to be able to seal the edges properly.
4. Sealing the Squares: Now, bring the four corners of the square together, pinching them firmly to seal the edges. Make sure there are no gaps, as this will prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. You can use a fork to press down along the edges for a cleaner look, if desired. This step is critical for a neat and tidy final product.
5. Baking to Perfection: Place the assembled chicken squares [chicken squares] on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Keep a watchful eye during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
6. Final Touches (Optional): For an even richer flavor, you can prepare a simple cream sauce to drizzle over the baked squares [baked squares]. Simply whisk together 1 can of cream of mushroom soup [cream of mushroom soup] and 1 cup of milk in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Serve immediately, drizzling the sauce over the hot chicken squares. You can also add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese [shredded cheddar cheese] on top for an extra cheesy experience. Enjoy!
Optional Sauce Recipe: Elevating Your Chicken Squares
Want to take your Quick & Easy Chicken Squares to the next level? Adding a creamy, comforting sauce is a fantastic way to transform this simple dish into a truly decadent meal. This optional sauce recipe isn’t just a garnish; it’s a key component that adds depth and richness to every bite. It builds on the core flavors of the chicken squares and complements the savory filling perfectly. Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl – exactly what you need on a chilly evening.
This sauce recipe draws inspiration from classic cream-of-mushroom soups, but we’ve tweaked it slightly to create a smoother, more intensely flavored sauce that works beautifully with the chicken and broccoli. The addition of milk creates a luscious texture, while the cream of mushroom soup provides that familiar, comforting taste. It’s a surprisingly easy combination that delivers a remarkable upgrade.
Here’s how to make it:
Yields: Approximately 2 cups
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (cream of mushroom soup)
- 1 cup milk (milk)
- 1/4 cup butter (butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (onion powder)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (garlic powder)
- Salt and pepper to taste (salt and pepper)
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, butter, onion powder, and garlic powder. (onion powder and garlic powder](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Campbell-s-Cream-of-Mushroom-Soup-10-75-oz/16531114) are critical additions!).
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sauce is heated through. Don’t let it boil! Boiling can cause the sauce to separate. (target.com/s?searchTerm=milk will help you keep an eye on it).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. (salt and pepper is a must!).
- Serve immediately over your Quick & Easy Chicken Squares. This sauce is best when served hot, complementing the warmth and comforting flavors of the dish. It’s a wonderful way to elevate a simple recipe into a truly satisfying meal. And, because we want to make sure the sauce isn’t too thick, a splash more of milk may be needed – always adding slowly to reach desired consistency (target.com/s?searchTerm=milk).
,
