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Chicken Gloria: A Timeless Classic

Chicken Gloria is a retro classic that will never go out of style! This dish is hearty, creamy, and downright comforting. Imagine tender chicken nestled in a luscious sherry cream sauce, layered with golden mushrooms and gooey Swiss cheese. If it were just me, I’d grab a fork and eat straight from the pan! Thankfully, there’s plenty to share with family and friends.

Homemade chicken gloria with mushrooms and mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gloria

Cozy Classic: Chicken Gloria is the kind of creamy, cheesy goodness that soothes the soul. It’s like a warm hug on a plate—just like Mom used to make!

Special Sauce: The secret to its rich, velvety goodness? A dreamy blend of sherry, heavy cream, and garlic that wraps the chicken in pure, saucy perfection.

Fancy Without Fuss: Although it tastes like it belongs in a five-star restaurant, this family-favorite casserole is incredibly simple to make. A little effort goes a long way in delivering a whole lot of deliciousness!

Plays Well With Others: I love pairing this dish with homestyle sides. Buttery mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh green salad are some of my favorites.

Ingredient Notes

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I prefer to cut them lengthwise for even cooking.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simply essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce.
Olive Oil and Butter: These create a rich base for searing the chicken.
Fresh Mushrooms: They add an earthy texture and soak up the sauce beautifully. White, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms work great!
Garlic: This aromatic ingredient adds depth and flavor to the cream sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to coat the chicken and to thicken the sauce, giving it a silky finish.
Dry Sherry: This is essential for the sauce, giving it complex, slightly sweet notes. Aim for a good drinking-quality sherry.
Heavy Cream: It creates a rich, luxurious sauce that coats the chicken and mushrooms perfectly.
Swiss Cheese: Ideal for melting, it forms a golden, gooey crust. Muenster or mozzarella are great substitutes.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds a subtle spicy kick; feel free to adjust or omit based on your preference.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: A light and vibrant garnish that brightens the dish.

A baking dish filled with cheesy chicken gloria and mushrooms.

How to Make Chicken Gloria

This dish stands out for its creamy sauce! Instead of relying on canned soup, we’re upgrading with a luxurious sherry-infused cream sauce. It sounds fancy, but rest assured, it’s incredibly easy!

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), placing a rack in the top third of the oven.
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, season with salt and pepper, and dredge them in flour.
Sear the chicken in a mix of olive oil and butter for about 3-4 minutes on each side, then transfer them to a casserole dish.
Sauté the mushrooms in butter until golden, about 5 minutes, and add them to the casserole dish.
Cook the garlic in the remaining butter for 30 seconds, then stir in flour and cook for an additional minute.
Add the sherry and cream, whisking until smooth. If you like, stir in the red pepper flakes and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Pour sauce over the chicken and mushrooms, and top with slices of Swiss cheese.
Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes at 375°F.
Broil uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is beautifully browned.
Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Close-up of Chicken Gloria, a baked chicken dish topped with a creamy mushroom sauce and melted cheese

Tips for the Best Chicken Gloria Casserole

For perfectly tender chicken, a dreamy sauce, and that irresistible bubbly cheese topping, follow these tried-and-true tips:

Pound the chicken: Use a meat mallet to ensure the chicken halves are of uniform thickness for even cooking.
Shake before you bake: To coat with flour evenly and mess-free, toss the flour and seasonings in a zip-top bag with the chicken pieces and shake.
Mix up the mushrooms: I often use shiitake or cremini for deeper flavors, or stick with white button for something milder.
Swap the sherry: If you don’t have dry sherry, you can use dry white wine or chicken broth, noting that the flavor will differ.
Thin the sauce: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk before pouring it over the chicken.
Garnish for flair: In addition to parsley, try fresh thyme or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.
Take a shortcut: If you’re pressed for time, consider using cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup with sautéed mushrooms instead of making the sauce from scratch.

A plate of chicken gloria with rice, garnished with herbs served in a plate.

How to Store

This creamy chicken casserole stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy its cheesy, savory goodness later. Here are some simple tips:

To Store: Allow leftovers to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To Freeze: Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

To Reheat: For individual portions, warm in the microwave at 50% power for 2-3 minutes. For larger servings, reheat in a covered casserole dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Note: When thawing, the cream sauce may separate slightly, and the mushrooms might soften.