Chicken Gloria Casserole

Chicken Gloria Casserole is a rich, comforting dish that takes the humble chicken to a whole new level. With its creamy mushroom sauce, a hint of sherry, and a layer of gooey Muenster cheese, this casserole is an indulgent dinner option that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets Chicken Gloria Casserole apart from other chicken dishes is the combination of flavors and textures. The juicy chicken breasts are browned and then smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, flavored with the unique depth of cream sherry. The melted Muenster cheese adds a rich, gooey layer, while fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness. This dish is not only full of comforting flavors but also easy to make, requiring minimal prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests!

Ingredients

• 3 skinless boneless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise

• Salt

• Pepper

• 1/3 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 container (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms

• 1/2 cup cream sherry wine

• 1 can (18 oz) Progresso™ creamy mushroom soup

• 6 slices Muenster cheese

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish or pie plate and coat both sides of the chicken with flour. Shake off any excess.

3. Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a 12-inch skillet. Brown the chicken on both sides (the chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through as it will finish cooking in the oven). Transfer the browned chicken to a 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Stir in the sherry and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

5. Add the mushroom soup to the skillet and stir until the mixture is heated through.

6. Pour the mushroom sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. Top each piece of chicken with a slice of Muenster cheese. If the cheese is too large for the chicken pieces, fold it in half.

7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, turn the oven to broil and remove the foil. Broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

8. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with chopped parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes (baking) + 1-2 minutes (broiling)

• Total Time: 60 minutes

Variations

• Cheese: You can substitute the Muenster cheese with another melting cheese, such as Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with a hearty vegetable like cauliflower or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of the sherry for a vegetarian-friendly version.

• Extra Veggies: Add additional vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the mushroom sauce for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for a richer flavor. Be sure to adjust cooking times as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

2. What can I serve with Chicken Gloria Casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a simple side salad. The extra mushroom sauce is great with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I use another type of wine instead of sherry?

Yes, you can substitute sherry with dry white wine, cooking wine, or even chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes into the mushroom sauce or adding a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to the chicken.

6. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, use skinless chicken breasts, reduce the amount of butter and oil, and substitute the creamy mushroom soup with a lighter version or homemade mushroom gravy.

7. Can I freeze Chicken Gloria Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the cooking instructions.

8. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to thaw the chicken before using it in this recipe for even cooking. Frozen chicken may not brown properly if added directly to the skillet.

9. How do I make sure the chicken is cooked through?

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

10. Can I double the recipe to serve more people?

Yes, you can double the recipe to serve a larger group. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Conclusion

Chicken Gloria Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with layers of tender chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheese. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it for guests, this dish is sure to impress. With a simple yet elegant flavor profile and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table!