Comforting hot chicken

This cozy Québecois-style hot chicken is comfort food that really hits the spot. Juicy chunks of cooked chicken get smothered in rich brown sauce and tossed together with sweet green peas. The combo makes for a super satisfying dinner that'll keep everyone at the table happy.

I throw together hot chicken sandwiches every time my kids come home from a long, chilly winter day. This comforting meal is our regular Sunday night thing—a tradition since my grandma used to whip it up for me when I was young.

Ingredients

• White sandwich bread or soft dinner rolls: Pick a loaf with some body that’ll soak up all the sauce but still stay soft. Nothing too light or crumbly.
• Rich brown gravy: This is what pulls it all together and brings that classic warmth. If you make your own gravy with chicken stock, it’s extra tasty.
• Diced, cooked chicken: Leftover roasted chicken gives the best flavor, but use whichever part you like—breast or thigh.
• Frozen green peas: Sweet and bright, they’re a must here. Aim for good-quality peas that’ll stay green after you warm them up.
• Chicken broth or plain water: Simmer the peas in this so they take on way more flavor than if you just use water. Homemade stock is awesome, but store-bought gets the job done.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Top it off:

Spoon the drained green peas across the sandwich for a pop of color and a little freshness. Cover the whole thing so you get some in every bite.

The final touch:

Put the top piece of bread over everything, then pour on some more steaming brown gravy. That generous extra drizzle on top is the real signature of Québec hot chicken.

Start with the sauce:

Get your gravy warming in a saucepan. You want it hot so it’ll keep the whole sandwich cozy.

Assemble the sandwich:

Pile the hot chicken onto the bottom piece of bread. Don’t be shy—layer on plenty while it’s still steaming to make sure the whole thing stays warm.

First round of sauce:

Ladle a bunch of hot brown gravy over the chicken so it soaks into the bread underneath. Don’t skimp—let it get a little messy.

Prep the peas:

Bring your broth up to a rolling boil. That extra kick of heat helps flavor the peas way better than tossing them in plain water. It shouldn’t take long at all to get bubbling.

Cook the peas:

Drop the peas in the boiling broth and let them cook just 2 or 3 minutes, so they’re tender but not mushy and still bright green.

The brown gravy totally makes this dish. My grandma always slipped in a pinch of nutmeg, which gave it that mysterious little something everyone loved but couldn’t quite figure out. That tiny touch turned an ordinary meal into a memory you never forget.

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Make-Ahead and Storage

You can cook the chicken up to two days early and stash it in the fridge. The gravy also stores well—keep it chilled for up to three days or freeze in small containers for easy dinners. Reheat it gently and stir in a splash of broth if it’s gotten too thick from sitting in the fridge.

Swaps and Twists

This dish is super flexible. Swap turkey for the chicken, or go meatless with some tofu. You can boost the classic brown gravy by adding mushrooms for a deeper flavor, or splash in a little red wine for a fancier feel. Not a pea fan? Use cooked carrots or any veggie mix you like.

To Serve

This hot chicken goes great with crispy homemade fries or a simple green salad on the side. For maximum comfort, pile on some creamy mashed potatoes. If you want the full treat, pair it with a cold local beer or a sparkling cider.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken here?

Absolutely, rotisserie chicken works great for this dish since it's already cooked and flavorful.

→ Can I swap out the peas?

Of course! Feel free to use veggies like green beans or corn instead, depending on what you like.

→ What kind of bread works best?

Sliced rolls or even plain old white bread make excellent bases for this dish.

→ How can I make the sauce creamier?

Stir in a dab of butter or a spoonful of cream to make the sauce extra rich.

→ Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can get everything ready beforehand and assemble the hot chicken right before serving.