Introduction

Chicken Gloria is a comforting and elegant casserole featuring tender chicken cutlets smothered in a creamy sherry sauce with sautéed mushrooms and melted cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests with its rich flavors and simple preparation.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy baked dish. The top layer has melted golden-brown cheese slightly browned in spots, with scattered cooked mushroom slices giving it texture. Below the cheese, a creamy sauce mixed with finely chopped green herbs coats the dish. The food looks soft and rich, with the layers blending into one another under the melted cheese and sauce. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 large chicken breasts
Salt & pepper to taste
Flour for dredging + 2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick), divided
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry sherry
1.5 cups heavy or whipping cream
6 slices Muenster cheese (see note)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 6 thinner cutlets. Season each piece generously with salt and pepper, then coat with flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, brown the chicken cutlets in two batches for 3–4 minutes per side without cooking completely. Transfer each batch to a 9×13 casserole dish as done. Add a bit more oil if the pan gets dry.
Step 3: Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté mushrooms until browned and their moisture evaporates, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and spread mushrooms around and on top of the chicken in the casserole.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the 2 tablespoons flour and garlic, cooking for about a minute while stirring constantly.
Step 5: Pour in the sherry, then slowly whisk in the cream until smooth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Pour the cream sauce evenly over the chicken and mushrooms. Layer the Muenster cheese slices on top.
Step 7: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for a few minutes until the cheese browns—watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 8: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Substitute sherry with marsala wine for a slightly different flavor.
Use Swiss, Gruyere, or mozzarella cheese in place of Muenster for varied melty textures.
Prepare all ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Don’t overcook chicken when browning; it will finish cooking in the oven and stay juicy.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken and sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows a white baking dish filled with creamy baked chicken topped with melted golden-brown cheese. The chicken is covered by a thick, light cream sauce mixed with sliced brown mushrooms scattered evenly across the surface. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the top, adding a touch of color. The cheese melts smoothly over the chicken, creating a slightly bubbly and browned texture in spots. The sauce appears rich and creamy with a smooth texture, surrounding the chicken pieces closely. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well; adjust cooking times slightly as they may cook faster and stay moist.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for sherry?

You can replace sherry with chicken broth mixed with a splash of apple cider vinegar or white grape juice to mimic the flavor without alcohol.