O'S Corner: O's Chicken Vivo

Here is a delicious and comforting dish that is, of course, quick and easy. Only 10 minutes prep time and 30 minutes to cook. This meal is as good the second day as it is the first. Best of all, the low fat version I describe is as good as the richer version.

O’s Chicken Vivo

• Combine 3 cups of cooked chicken (packaged, pre-sliced chicken from the meat dept. works great), 1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of chicken soup (reg. or low fat) undiluted, 1 (8 oz.) fat free carton sour cream and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds
• Spoon into a greased 11x7 in. baking dish (the aluminum throw-away kind saves washing after).
• Crush 1 1/2 cups of round butter crackers (40 crackers). The Ritz whole grain crackers can be used (get your daily dose of grain). It’s easy to do this in your food processor or blender.
• Mix crackers and 1/4 cup light butter/margarine or smart balance, and sprinkle over chicken mixture.
• For added crunch I sometimes top with 1/2 cup grated cheese.
• Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
• Yield: 4 servings. Double for a dinner party.

For a richer meal, you can add rice or diced potatoes and top with the chicken.

I serve this dish with steamed green beans and a Mandarin Orange & Lettuce Salad. I prepare the two while the chicken is cooking.

Mandarin Orange & Lettuce Salad
5-10 minutes prep.

• Combine 1 package of mixed greens or other lettuce of your choice, 1 (11-oz) can of drained canned mandarin oranges, 1/3 cup dried cranberries or golden raisins, 6 grape tomatoes cut in half, and 1 or 2 tbs of shredded carrots.
• After removing the chicken and turning off the oven toast 1 (2-oz) pkg. of cashew or pistachio nuts in metal pan. Toast just a few minutes, remove and add to salad.
• Pour 1/2 cup of Italian, fruity Vinaigrette or Sweet-and-Sour Dressing (e.g., Lawry's Hawaiian Marinade). Toss and serve.

Bon Appetite!!!!!