Chicken Gloria Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food Classic
Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of Chicken Gloria Casserole, a timeless dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion. This comforting casserole features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich mushroom and sherry sauce, topped with gooey cheese, and baked to golden perfection. With simple ingredients and effortless preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup sherry wine
- 1 (18 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 6 slices Swiss or Muenster cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Deglaze the skillet with the sherry wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Place the cooked chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the mushroom sauce over the chicken, covering them evenly.
- Lay the slices of Swiss or Muenster cheese on top of the chicken and sauce, covering them completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar, Gruyere, or provolone would also work well in this dish.
- Mushroom Options: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can omit them altogether or substitute with other vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Creamy Sauce: For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the mushroom sauce mixture.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor of the dish by adding other herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder to the mushroom sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? A: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically used for Chicken Gloria Casserole, you can certainly use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Chicken Gloria Casserole for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I substitute the sherry wine with something else? A: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the sherry wine with chicken broth or white grape juice for a similar flavor profile.
Q: What side dishes pair well with Chicken Gloria Casserole? A: This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Keto Versions and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this casserole, omit the flour dredge and use almond flour or coconut flour instead. Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade keto-friendly mushroom sauce using heavy cream, chicken broth, and xanthan gum as a thickener. Use low-carb cheese such as mozzarella or provolone, and skip the sherry wine or use a dry white wine with lower sugar content.
- Low Carb Version: Similarly, for a low-carb version, follow the keto substitutions mentioned above and use low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower or broccoli florets instead of mushrooms. Serve with a side of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete low-carb meal.
Chicken Gloria Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy mushroom sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese topping, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal or planning a special dinner, this casserole is a delicious option that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the comforting goodness of Chicken Gloria Casserole – a true classic that never disappoints!
