Chicken Shortcake?

If you’re a traditionalist, this recipe may sit on your counter a few days before you try it.

I understand. A shortcake with chicken and salsa? No way.

At least that’s what my dinner guest thought. Think of chicken and biscuits, I urged. Think of chicken and dumplings. All he could think of was strawberries and cream. Yet, this rich-looking dish did pique his interest and with one bite, he was convinced. You will be too.

This may be one of the easiest and most delicious entrees you’ll serve for a weeknight dinner. You can take as many shortcuts as you like, and chicken salsa shortcake will still be good. Use either deli sliced chicken or cut-up chunks of roast chicken; roast chicken tastes better. If you have some leftovers from last night’s rotisserie chicken, great. Make salsa or use a favorite brand.

SHORTCAKE

1 cup flour plus extra for work surface

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

2 tablespoons butter

6 to 7 tablespoons milk or half and half

Sift together 1 cup flour, salt and baking powder. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in enough milk to form soft dough. Turn dough out onto lightly floured board. Form into 2 (1-inch-thick) disks.

Place shortcakes on small greased baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees until puffed and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from baking sheet to wire rack to cool.

Makes 2 shortcakes.

Each shortcake contains about:

336 calories; 0 sodium; 34 mg cholesterol; 13 grams fat; 46 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams protein; 0.17 gram fiber.

CHICKEN SALSA SHORTCAKE

Shortcake

6 ounces sliced chicken breast meat (either home cooked or commercially prepared)

2 heaping tablespoons sour cream

2 heaping tablespoons partially drained salsa

2 teaspoons chopped cilantro

Split each shortcake in half. Arrange half the chicken on bottom half of each shortcake. Top with 1 heaping tablespoon sour cream and on top of that 1 heaping tablespoon salsa. Sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon cilantro. Cover with top halves of shortcake. Serve immediately.

Makes 2 servings.

Each of 2 servings contains about:

512 calories; 849 mg sodium; 112 mg cholesterol; 19 grams fat; 49 grams carbohydrates; 35 grams protein; 0.17 gram fiber.