Yummie Chinese Sundaes: A Comforting Classic Reimagined

There are certain dishes that, for me, evoke the warmth of home and the kindness of community. This Yummie Chinese Sundae is one such treasure. I first encountered it years ago, during a particularly tender time after welcoming my second child. A dear church member, sensing the exhaustion and overwhelming joy of new motherhood, arrived with a steaming pot of this comforting meal. It was light enough not to feel heavy, yet profoundly satisfying. The flexibility of being able to add so many different fresh toppings made each spoonful a delightful adventure. It instantly became a go-to for busy evenings and a symbol of nurturing care.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 1 large casserole dish
• Dietary Type: Adaptable (can be made dairy-free or gluten-free with substitutions)

Ingredients

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, relying on pantry staples and fresh additions to create a truly unique experience.

• 3 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 4 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry
• 1 cup carrot, sliced
• ½ teaspoon basil
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• Cooked rice, hot, for serving

Topping Suggestions:

The beauty of the Yummie Chinese Sundae lies in its customizable nature. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your dish:

• Chopped tomato
• Chopped green onion
• Diced green pepper
• Shredded coconut
• Diced celery
• Diced pineapple
• Chopped peanuts
• Chow mein noodles

Equipment Needed

While this dish is straightforward, a few essential tools will make the process smooth:

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board (for toppings)
• Serving bowls

Instructions

The preparation of this Yummie Chinese Sundae is designed for ease and efficiency, making it perfect for weeknight meals or feeding a crowd.

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, sliced carrots, basil, pepper, salt, and the cream of chicken soup.
2. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the soup is well incorporated.
3. Once boiling, gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry (the mixture of cornstarch and cold water). Continue to whisk constantly as the mixture thickens. You’re looking for a sauce that coats the back of a spoon, similar to a gravy consistency. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes of continuous stirring once the slurry is added.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to fully thicken.
5. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the thickened sauce. Stir them in gently to coat.
6. Allow the chicken to heat through in the sauce for another 5 minutes over low heat. Avoid boiling after adding the chicken, as this can toughen it.
7. To serve, ladle a generous portion of the hot cooked rice into individual serving bowls.
8. Spoon the warm chicken and sauce mixture over the hot rice.
9. Present the various topping suggestions on the side, allowing each person to customize their own Yummie Chinese Sundae to their liking.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Yummie Chinese Sundae from good to absolutely unforgettable, consider these culinary insights:

• Chicken Prep: For the most tender chicken, use pre-cooked chicken that’s been gently poached or roasted. If you’re cooking chicken specifically for this dish, shredding or dicing it into uniform, bite-sized pieces will ensure it heats through evenly.
• Cornstarch Slurry Perfection: Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to a hot liquid. This prevents lumps. Whisk it in gradually while the sauce is boiling and continue whisking until it achieves your desired thickness. If it’s too thick, you can always add a little more chicken broth.
• Flavor Boost: Don’t shy away from seasoning! Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and adjust salt and pepper as needed. A tiny pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also add a subtle savory depth.
• Topping Harmony: When arranging your toppings, think about contrasting textures and flavors. The crunch of chow mein noodles, the sweetness of pineapple, the freshness of green onions, and the subtle heat of green pepper create a delightful symphony in every bite.
• Make Ahead: The chicken and sauce mixture can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash more chicken broth if it has thickened too much. Cooked rice can also be made ahead and reheated.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

The beauty of the Yummie Chinese Sundae is its interactive serving style. Set up a “topping bar” with all your chosen accoutrements in small bowls, allowing guests to build their perfect sundae. This is especially fun for families or casual gatherings.

Leftovers of the chicken and sauce mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little liquid (broth or water) if the sauce has become too thick. Cooked rice should also be stored in the refrigerator and reheated separately. It’s best to keep toppings separate until serving to maintain their freshness and texture.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a serving of Yummie Chinese Sundae, based on the core recipe ingredients (without optional toppings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	320 kcal	16%
Total Fat	7.5 g	10%
Saturated Fat	2 g	10%
Cholesterol	50 mg	17%
Sodium	850 mg	37%
Total Carbohydrate	25 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugars	3 g	6%
Protein	30 g	60%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The addition of toppings will significantly alter these figures.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity.

• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu cubes, cooked chickpeas, or a medley of sautéed vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and opt for a dairy-free cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a vegan base.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a gluten-free meal.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or offer sriracha or chili garlic sauce as a topping option.
• Fruity Twist: Beyond pineapple, consider diced mango or mandarin oranges for a sweeter, more tropical note in your toppings.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and works perfectly in this dish. Just be sure to remove any skin and dice it into bite-sized pieces.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin?
A: If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can create another small cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and whisk it into the simmering sauce, allowing it to cook for another minute or two until thickened.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
A: You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. For a lighter sauce, you could also try making a béchamel sauce with milk and a roux, then adding chicken broth and seasonings.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While the chicken and sauce mixture can be frozen, the texture of the sauce might change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or as leftovers refrigerated.

Q: What are the most popular toppings?
A: The most beloved toppings often include a combination of crunchy elements like chow mein noodles and peanuts, fresh elements like green onions and tomatoes, and a touch of sweetness from pineapple or coconut.

Final Thoughts

The Yummie Chinese Sundae is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. Its simplicity belies its incredible flavor and the joy it brings to the table. Whether you’re recreating a cherished memory or embarking on a new culinary adventure, I encourage you to gather your ingredients, enlist your loved ones to help chop toppings, and experience the delightful versatility of this humble yet magnificent dish. Serve it with a side of fortune cookies for an extra touch of fun, and savor every delicious, customizable bite.