If you’re searching for a comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying dish to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, this Creamy Chicken Gloria Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken strips bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce loaded with savory mushrooms and a hint of lemon brightness, all baked to perfection in a cozy casserole. It’s the kind of meal that warms your heart while impressing your taste buds, and it’s surprisingly easy to pull together, making it a true crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting all the ingredients ready for this casserole is a breeze, and each one plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From tender chicken to creamy sauce components, these essentials are what make this dish sing.
- Chicken breasts: The star of the dish, sliced into strips for even cooking and tenderness.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and depth.
- All-purpose flour: Coats the chicken for a subtle crust and helps thicken the sauce.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, contributing richness and helping develop beautiful color on the chicken and mushrooms.
- White mushrooms: Their earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy elements.
- Medium onion: Adds sweetness and a fragrant base for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for making the roux and enhancing the creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth: Provides savory undertones and moisture to the sauce.
- Lemon juice: A splash of brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Half and half: Creates the signature creaminess of this casserole, melding all flavors perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gloria Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken strips generously with sea salt and black pepper, then dredge each piece in flour. This step gives the chicken a delicate crust and helps the sauce cling later. Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until it’s a beautiful golden brown on the outside, but don’t worry about cooking it through just yet—this will finish in the oven. Place the browned chicken pieces into a large casserole dish. This foundational step builds fantastic texture and flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms, Onions, and Garlic
After transferring the chicken, add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and diced onion, sautéing them gently until they soften and turn golden. This step brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor profile. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Spread this glorious mixture evenly over the chicken in the casserole dish to create an irresistible layer of umami goodness.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now it’s time to create the silky sauce that makes this casserole so special. In a medium saucepan or the skillet used earlier, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook it just until it turns lightly golden, forming a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce beautifully. This step ensures the sauce will have a luscious texture without any lumps.
Step 4: Add Broth, Lemon Juice, and Half and Half
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper until the mixture is completely smooth. Then pour in the half and half and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. This combination creates the creamy, tangy flavor that’s signature to this dish. Season the sauce generously with salt and pepper to taste, and get ready to pour it over those beautifully layered chicken and mushrooms.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pour the silky sauce over every inch of chicken and mushrooms in the casserole dish. Cover with foil to keep all the moisture locked in, then bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes. This baking time lets the flavors meld, the chicken finish cooking perfectly, and the sauce thicken into that irresistible creamy goodness you’re craving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gloria Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme brightens the deep flavors and adds a lovely touch of color. You can also add a light dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of cheesy richness that compliments the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or a fragrant rice pilaf. Light steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus provide a crisp contrast that balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve the casserole directly from the dish for that warm, inviting feel. For a more elegant touch, plate generous portions with a garnish of fresh herbs and a side of vibrant veggies arranged artfully. You can even spoon some of the extra sauce over your serving plate to impress guests with every forkful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Gloria Casserole Recipe is a pure delight to enjoy again. Simply cover any leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain peak freshness.
Freezing
If you want to make this casserole in advance for busy nights, it freezes beautifully. Prepare the casserole through the baking step but don’t bake it yet—cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftover casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it’s heated through and bubbly, usually about 20-25 minutes. Oven reheating keeps the sauce creamy and the chicken tender, much better than microwaving which can make it dry.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor, so feel free to swap them in. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly if your pieces are larger or bone-in.
What if I don’t have half and half?
You can easily make a substitute by mixing equal parts milk and heavy cream. This combo will give you the same rich consistency needed for that creamy sauce.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Definitely! The Creamy Chicken Gloria Casserole Recipe is perfect for prepping ahead since it reheats wonderfully without losing flavor or texture.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Diced bell peppers, spinach, or peas make excellent additions and boost the nutritional content. Add them along with the mushrooms for the best integration.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend to coat the chicken and for the roux. Double-check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Creamy Chicken Gloria Casserole Recipe that makes it a standout comfort food favorite. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and just the right amount of bright lemon makes each bite a joy. Give this recipe a try soon – it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, and one your whole family will ask for again and again.
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Creamy Chicken Gloria Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Casserole Recipe, also known as Chicken Gloria, features tender strips of chicken breasts coated in flour and sautéed to a golden perfection, topped with a savory mushroom and onion mixture, and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made from chicken broth, lemon juice, and half and half. Baked until bubbly and flavorful, this comforting dish is perfect served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 1/2 lbs chicken breasts (4 to 5 large), cut into 1-inch thick strips
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (to coat the chicken)
- 6 Tbsp olive oil, divided
Vegetables
- 1 lb white mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for the sauce)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup half and half (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream)
Instructions
- Prepare and Brown Chicken: Season the chicken strips with 1 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Dredge both sides of the chicken in 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Heat 3 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken strips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through. Transfer the browned chicken to a 13×9-inch casserole baking dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: Remove any leftover bits from the skillet. Add the remaining 3 Tbsp of olive oil along with the sliced mushrooms and diced onions. Sauté until the vegetables soften and turn golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Spread this mushroom and onion mixture evenly over the chicken in the casserole dish.
- Make the Sauce Roux: In a medium saucepan (or the same skillet after cleaning), melt 3 Tbsp of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 Tbsp of all-purpose flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden and bubbly, forming a roux.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, followed by 1 Tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. Stir in 1 cup of half and half and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavor as needed.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and mushroom mixture in the casserole dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture. Bake in a preheated oven at 350˚F (175˚C) for 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Serve warm or hot over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute the half and half with 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream as suggested.
- To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, cut the chicken breasts into consistent 1-inch strips.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken to achieve a nice golden crust.
- You can add herbs such as thyme or parsley to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
