Aldi Red Bag Chicken Florentine
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Remember that exhilarating moment of discovery when you unearthed the first perfect seashell on a summer beach day?
That’s how I felt after unmasking the Aldi Red Bag Chicken Florentine. This modest red bag was an unexpected treasure trove, a hidden gem nestled in the frozen aisles.
One bite of the tender chicken, delicately seasoned and harmoniously paired with a creamy Florentine sauce, and I was transported. I was in Florence momentarily, marveling at the Duomo, bathing in the warm Tuscan sun.
The delight in such serendipity is unparalleled, thanks to a chance encounter with Aldi’s Red Bag Chicken Florentine. Let’s first understand what makes this such a remarkable dish.
History of the Dish
Diving into the origins of Aldi Red Bag Chicken Florentine requires us to journey into the worlds of two culinary entities. The ‘Red Bag Chicken,’ or ‘RBC,’ as it’s known among devotees, is a product from the Aldi supermarket chain, hailed for its quality and incredible value.
Its popularity has sparked an array of recipes, including Chicken Florentine, a dish with roots in Florence, Italy. Traditional Florentine cuisine often incorporates spinach (‘a la Florentine’); this dish is no exception.
It marries the crispy, golden-breaded Aldi Red Bag Chicken with a rich, creamy spinach sauce. The combination is a delight of textures and flavors, bringing together the best of Italian culinary tradition with a modern, convenient product.
As with many fusion recipes, Aldi Red Bag Chicken Florentine continues to evolve, with home cooks adding their unique twists and interpretations, showcasing this delicious dish’s versatility and enduring appeal.
What Can You Serve With Aldi Red Bag Chicken Florentine?
As you savor each bite of Aldi Red Bag Chicken Florentine, imagine a canvas of flavors enhancing the symphony of tastes. Roasted garlic potatoes, golden and crispy on the outside yet fluffy inside, serve as a hearty companion.
For a fresh contrast, consider a vibrant Mediterranean salad – bursting with olives, feta, and ripe tomatoes drizzled in a tangy vinaigrette. Alternatively, consider grilled asparagus, with its slight char imparting a smoky essence that harmonizes beautifully with the chicken.
Or, why not a wild rice pilaf, with its nutty undertones adding a gourmet touch? Each side dish offers a tantalizing variation, turning your meal into a culinary exploration.
Ingredients
- Aldi Red Bag Chicken – cooked, offering a tender and flavorful protein base
- Mozzarella Cheese – shredded for creaminess and garnish, with an additional ¼ cup set aside
- Pasta – your favorite variety, cooked and drained to provide a satisfying texture
- Butter – adds richness and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel to the dish
- Onion – chopped, contributing a mild, slightly sweet flavor
- Salt & Pepper – essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing the flavors
- Garlic Powder – imparts a pungent, aromatic touch to the dish
- Flour – serves as a thickening agent to create a smoother, heartier sauce
- Chicken Broth – provides a savory, umami base for the sauce
- Milk – adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness to the dish
- Parmesan Cheese – delivers a sharp, tangy note that complements the other cheeses
- Frozen Chopped Spinach – adding a nutritious and earthy element
Preparation Instructions
Preheat your oven to the temperature mentioned in the instructions for the chicken package.
Place the chicken in a baking dish and cook as directed.
Approximately 5 minutes before the chicken is fully cooked, remove the dish from the oven and top each piece with mozzarella cheese.
Return the dish to the oven and continue baking until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Once done, set the chicken aside for later use.
While the chicken is cooking, melt some butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions to the skillet and sauté them until they become tender and translucent.
Season the cooked onions with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
Gradually add in the flour, stirring continuously to form a roux. The mixture will look pasty and slightly golden brown.
Slowly pour the milk into the roux, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add in the parmesan cheese and stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Incorporate the frozen spinach into the creamy sauce, cooking on medium heat until the spinach is heated through and well integrated into the sauce.
Place the cooked pasta on serving plate and spoon sauce over top of the pasta.
Add cooked chicken on top of pasta and more sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese!
Assemble the dish and serve.
How to Switch This Up a Bit
Ramp up the Aldi Red Bag Chicken Florentine by introducing a fusion twist! Crumble in some feta for a Greek spin, or stir in some Gochujang for a Korean kick.
Or, try topping the dish with crunchy toasted almonds or pine nuts for an unexpected texture. You could even wrap portions in puff pastry, creating a gourmet Chicken Florentine parcel.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility – it’s a culinary canvas ready for your personal flair. So, get creative and start experimenting!
FAQs
How can my leftover Aldi Red Bag Chicken Florentine taste as zesty as day one?
Fear not, flavor aficionado! A splash of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan right before reheating will zest it up, making it taste just off-the-stove fresh!
Can I store leftover Aldi Red Bag Chicken Florentine in the freezer?
Indeed, you can! Ensure it’s sealed in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent the cold air from stealing its soulful flavors.
How long can I store the leftovers in the refrigerator?
Your tasty timesaver can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. Perfect for those grab-and-go moments when the clock is ticking!
Aldi Red Bag Chicken Florentine
One bite of the tender chicken, delicately seasoned and harmoniously paired with a creamy Florentine sauce, and I was transported. I was in Florence momentarily, marveling at the Duomo, bathing in the warm Tuscan sun.
Ingredients
- 1 bag Aldi red bag chicken, cooked (6 pieces)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese + ¼ cup more for garnish
- 1 lb of your favorite pasta, cooked and drained
- ⅓ cup butter
- ⅓ cup onion, chopped
- salt & pepper to taste
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ⅓ cup flour
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 - 10 oz packages of frozen chopped spinach
Instructions
Cook chicken per package directions - 5 minutes before done top each piece of chicken with mozzarella cheese and place back in the oven until melted - set aside.
In a skillet, cook the onions in butter until tender.
Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Add flour to form a roux.
Stir in milk and parmesan cheese stirring until smooth and creamy.
Add in the frozen spinach and cook on medium heat until hot.
Place pasta on a plate and spoon some sauce over the top.
Add the cooked chicken, more sauce, and the remaining ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Serve and enjoy!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 531Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 992mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 6gSugar: 4gProtein: 24g