This Chicken Gloria recipe is the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm, delicious hug on a plate. Tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich mushroom sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese create a dish that’s impressive enough for company yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of earthy mushrooms, sherry wine, and creamy soup creates layers of flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, but you can make it in your own kitchen with simple ingredients.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: You can prep this earlier in the day or even the night before, then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for dinner.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters tend to love this dish. The creamy sauce and melty cheese are universally appealing.
  • Versatile Pairing: This chicken dish pairs beautifully with almost any side – rice, pasta, potatoes, or just a simple green vegetable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing a lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Make sure to cut them in half lengthwise so they cook evenly.
  • Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
  • All-purpose flour: Creates a light coating on the chicken that helps it brown beautifully and thickens the sauce slightly.
  • Vegetable oil: Used for searing the chicken to develop that golden crust that adds so much flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness when sautéing the mushrooms, giving them a beautiful golden color and nutty flavor.
  • Mushrooms: I prefer cremini for their deeper flavor, but white button mushrooms work great too. They add an earthy, umami dimension to the sauce.
  • Sherry wine: The secret ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive flavor profile. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth that regular cooking wine just can’t match.
  • Cream of mushroom soup: Yes, we’re using the canned stuff here! It creates a velvety base for our sauce without any fuss.
  • Muenster or Swiss cheese: These cheeses melt beautifully and add a rich, creamy finish to the dish. Their mild flavor complements rather than overwhelms.
  • Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and brightens up the finished dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious ways to make this recipe your own:

  • Protein Swap: Try using boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier results.
  • Cheese Adventures: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, provolone, or even a mixture of cheeses for unique flavor combinations.
  • Mushroom Medley: Use a mix of mushroom varieties like shiitake, oyster, or portobello for more complex flavors.
  • Herbed Up: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mushroom mixture for an aromatic twist.
  • Extra Veggies: Sauté some onions or garlic with the mushrooms, or add some spinach or peas to the sauce before baking.

How to Make Chicken Gloria

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and coat both sides of each chicken piece, shaking off any excess. This thin coating will help the chicken brown beautifully and slightly thicken the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on both sides until they develop a golden crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remember, we’re not trying to cook the chicken through completely as it will finish in the oven. Transfer the browned chicken to a 13×9 inch baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Mushroom Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wash it!), melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté until they’re golden brown and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. Pour in the sherry wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and let it cook for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and heat through until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the mushroom sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Layer the cheese slices on top, covering the entire casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and everything is hot and bubbly.

Step 5: Broil for Perfection

After 30 minutes, switch your oven to broil. Remove the foil and broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese gets golden and slightly bubbly. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, consider pounding the chicken pieces to a uniform thickness before coating with flour.
  • Brown in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken. Work in batches if necessary for the best golden crust.
  • Save that Fond: Those browned bits left in the pan after cooking the chicken are flavor gold! Make sure to scrape them up when making your sauce.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: If possible, let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking for more even browning and cooking.
  • Quality Matters: Since this recipe has relatively few ingredients, use the best quality you can find – especially the mushrooms and cheese.

How to Serve

Chicken Gloria is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

Perfect Pairings:

  • Serve over buttered egg noodles or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce
  • Pair with roasted asparagus or green beans for a complete meal
  • Add a side of garlic mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience
  • A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich casserole

Presentation Ideas:

  • Serve directly from the baking dish for family-style meals
  • For more elegant presentation, plate individual portions with a generous spoonful of sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs
  • Add a lemon wedge on the side for brightness

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Gloria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making this a perfect make-ahead meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed. For best results, add the cheese after thawing, just before baking.

Alternatively, freeze the cooked leftovers in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate slightly when thawed, but it will still taste delicious.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best results with larger portions, reheat covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes), adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

    Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and actually tend to stay more moist. You won’t need to adjust the cooking time significantly, but do make sure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

  2. I don’t have sherry wine. What can I substitute?

    While sherry gives this dish its distinctive flavor, you can substitute dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or even marsala wine for a different but delicious twist. If you prefer to avoid alcohol altogether, use chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or even a teaspoon of dijon mustard to add complexity.

  3. Can I make my own cream of mushroom soup for this recipe?

    Yes! For a homemade version, sauté extra mushrooms with some minced onion, then make a roux with butter and flour. Add chicken broth and a splash of cream, then blend until smooth. Season well with salt, pepper, and a touch of thyme for an elevated homemade version.

  4. Why is my sauce breaking or curdling?

    This typically happens when the casserole is heated too quickly or at too high a temperature. Make sure to bake at the recommended 350°F and avoid overheating when reheating leftovers. Adding a tablespoon or two of cream while reheating can also help restore a smooth sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Gloria is what I call “back-pocket cooking” at its finest – impressive enough for company but easy enough for busy weeknights. There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and that blanket of melted cheese that makes this dish irresistible time after time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try tonight, and I think you’ll find it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!

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Chicken Gloria Recipe

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  • Author: Jaden Christner
  • Prep Time: 15minute
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Chicken Gloria is a comforting classic that combines perfectly pan-seared chicken, sauteed mushrooms in a creamy sherry sauce, and a bubbly layer of golden Muenster cheese. This dish is an easy-to-make dinner that’s full of flavor, texture, and timeless appeal. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it’s guaranteed to impress without much effort.

 

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

  • 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut in half lengthwise (about 3 breasts)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce and Topping

  • 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted
  • 8 ounces fresh mushrooms (cremini preferred), sliced
  • 1/2 cup sherry wine
  • 18 ounces cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
  • 6 slices Muenster cheese (or Swiss cheese)
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the dish cooks evenly and achieves that bubbly, golden cheese topping.
  2. Prepare the Chicken:
    Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and coat each chicken piece evenly with flour. Shake off any excess flour.
  3. Sear the Chicken:
    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden (approximately 2-3 minutes per side). Note: The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point; it will finish cooking in the oven. Transfer the browned chicken to a 13×9-inch baking dish.
  4. Saute the Mushrooms:
    In the same pan, add the butter and melt it over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
  5. Make the Sauce:
    Stir in the sherry wine and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off slightly. Add the cream of mushroom soup, stirring well to combine. Cook the mixture until fully heated and smooth.
  6. Assemble the Dish:
    Pour the creamy mushroom sauce evenly over the seared chicken in the baking dish. Layer the slices of Muenster (or Swiss) cheese over the entire dish to ensure a cheesy topping.
  7. Bake and Broil:
    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After baking, remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil the dish for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese to a golden perfection. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
  8. Garnish and Serve:
    Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Sherry Wine: Adds depth of flavor and is traditional in this dish. If unavailable, substitute with dry white wine or chicken broth mixed with a splash of white wine vinegar.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Use a canned version for convenience, or make your own creamy mushroom base at home for a more gourmet touch.
  • Chicken Options: Chicken thighs work well as a substitute for chicken breasts if you prefer a juicier meat option.
  • Cheese Selection: Use slices of Muenster for the classic flavor; Swiss is a great alternative. Avoid pre-shredded cheese and use fresh slices or shred your own for the best melt.
  • Broiling Tip: Don’t skip the broil step; it gives the cheese a bubbly, golden crust. Watch closely as it can burn quickly.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it directly from the fridge (account for slightly longer bake time).
  • Freezer-Friendly: While it can be frozen, the sauce may separate upon reheating. For best results, reheat gently and stir well.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
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Hey everyone! I'm Jaden, and welcome to YummyHere! Basically, I'm obsessed with food. Like, really obsessed. So, I figured, why not share all my yummy creations with the world? Hopefully, you'll find something here that makes you say "Yum!" (because that's the goal, right?). Let's get cooking!

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