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Chicken Gloria Casserole

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:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
  7. Place the cooked chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the mushroom sauce over the chicken, covering them evenly.
  8. Lay the slices of Swiss or Muenster cheese on top of the chicken and sauce, covering them completely.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
  10. 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!