Opryland Hotel Oriental Chicken Quiche: A Taste of Music City Magic

The scent of blooming jasmine and the gentle rush of cascading waterfalls are memories I carry from visits to the Opryland Hotel, a true Southern gem. On one particular trip, seeking refuge from the Nashville heat within its glorious indoor gardens, I stumbled upon a dish that perfectly captured the hotel’s unique blend of Southern charm and a hint of the exotic: the Opryland Hotel Oriental Chicken Quiche. It was a revelation – a comforting, familiar quiche elevated by unexpected, harmonious flavors, a testament to the culinary creativity that thrives in Music City. This quiche, with its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory, cheesy custard, nestled in a flaky crust, has become a cherished recipe in my own kitchen, always evoking those cherished memories.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: 1 pie
• Dietary Type: Savory

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetable Sauté:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 8 ounces pea pods, cut into strips
• 2 green onions (or 2 scallions), sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon gingerroot, grated
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Quiche Filling:

• 1 unbaked pie shell (you can use your favorite homemade recipe, a store-bought one, or follow a step-by-step guide if you’re feeling adventurous!)
• 3 large eggs
• 4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to your taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or 1/2 cup whipping cream)
• A dash of Worcestershire sauce

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Medium-sized bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pie dish (if not using a pre-made pie shell)
• Oven

Instructions

Let’s bring this delightful quiche to life, step-by-step.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking environment for your quiche.

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

3. Next, add the prepared pea pods, sliced green onions, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to retain a slight bite, not become mushy.

4. Now, it’s time to infuse the chicken and vegetables with those signature oriental flavors. Stir in the soy sauce, grated gingerroot, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring to ensure everything is well combined and fragrant. Spread this chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into the bottom of your unbaked pie shell.

5. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly until they are well combined and slightly frothy.

6. Add the shredded Swiss cheese, salt (if using), black pepper, and grated nutmeg to the beaten eggs. Whisk everything together until the cheese is evenly distributed and the seasonings are incorporated.

7. Pour in the heavy cream (or whipping cream) and the dash of Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until you have a smooth, homogenous custard mixture.

8. Carefully pour the egg and cheese mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the pie shell. Gently tilt the shell to ensure the filling distributes evenly.

9. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the quiche is golden brown around the edges and the filling is set and firm in the center. You can check for doneness by gently inserting a knife near the center; if it comes out clean, the quiche is ready.

10. Once baked to perfection, remove the quiche from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve. This resting period helps the filling set completely, making for cleaner slices.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For the Perfect Crust: If you’re using a store-bought pie shell, consider blind-baking it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps prevent a soggy bottom crust, especially with a moist filling like quiche.
• Chicken Preparation: Ensure your chicken pieces are uniformly sized for even cooking. You can also opt for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time, just be sure to shred or dice it appropriately.
• Vegetable Texture: The key to the vegetables in this quiche is a tender-crisp texture. Don’t overcook them in the initial sauté; they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Spice Level: The cayenne pepper provides a subtle warmth. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add a pinch more or even a tiny bit of red pepper flakes to the sauté.
• Cheese Variations: While Swiss cheese is classic, feel free to experiment! Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp cheddar would offer delightful variations.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Opryland Hotel Oriental Chicken Quiche is wonderfully versatile. It’s perfect for a brunch spread, a light lunch paired with a fresh salad, or even a more substantial dinner with a side of steamed asparagus or rice. For an attractive presentation, serve warm wedges on individual plates.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm individual slices in the oven at around 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave them for a quicker option, being mindful not to overheat and make the crust soggy. It can also be frozen for longer storage; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	435.2 kcal	18%
Total Fat	31.8 g	48%
Saturated Fat	15.1 g	75%
Cholesterol	177.1 mg	59%
Sodium	499.3 mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate	17.8 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	1.9 g	7%
Sugars	1.6 g	6%
Protein	19.5 g	38%

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Variations & Substitutions

• Crustless Option: For a lighter take, omit the pie shell entirely and bake the filling in a greased pie plate or individual ramekins. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, cubed and pressed, or with a medley of your favorite sautéed mushrooms and water chestnuts.
• Gluten-Free: Utilize a gluten-free pre-made pie crust or make your own using a gluten-free flour blend.
• Spice Swap: If cayenne isn’t your preference, a pinch of white pepper or a tiny whisper of Chinese five-spice powder can offer a different, yet equally intriguing, aromatic warmth.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sautéed chicken and vegetable mixture up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, gently warm it before spreading it into the pie shell.

Q: My quiche filling seems a bit jiggly. Is that normal?
A: A slight jiggle in the center when the quiche is fresh out of the oven is normal. The filling will continue to set as it cools. If it appears very liquid, it may need a few more minutes of baking.

Q: How can I prevent the egg filling from cracking?
A: Overbaking can cause the quiche to crack. Ensure you remove it from the oven as soon as the center is set. Also, letting the quiche rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing can help prevent cracks.

Q: What’s the best way to cut the quiche for serving?
A: For neat slices, use a sharp knife and try to cut cleanly through the crust and filling. A gentle sawing motion can be helpful. For the cleanest cuts, let the quiche cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this quiche?
A: Absolutely! Broccoli florets, finely chopped carrots, or even some water chestnuts would be lovely additions. Just ensure they are cut small enough to cook through in the allotted time.

Final Thoughts

This Opryland Hotel Oriental Chicken Quiche is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious memory baked into a comforting dish. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create something truly special. Whether you’re reminiscing about a trip to Nashville or simply looking for a unique and flavorful quiche, I encourage you to try this delightful creation. Serve it with a crisp green salad and a chilled glass of white wine for a meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every savory, subtly spiced bite!