Chicken Ala Ellyn
Chicken Ala Ellyn features tender deboned chicken breasts topped with ham, pineapple, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, offering a sweet and savory flavor combination perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound each chicken breast flat.
- Pat the chicken breasts with flour.
- Fry the chicken in cooking oil until golden brown.
- Place the fried chicken on a cookie sheet.
- Top each chicken breast with a slice of ham.
- Add a pineapple ring on top of the ham.
- Place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese over the pineapple.
- Bake at 350°F until the cheese is hot, bubbly, and slightly browned, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic before pounding them flat. If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, Swiss or provolone can work as great substitutes. For a crunchier texture, try adding breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking. This dish is perfect for using up leftover ham or pineapple from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Ala Ellyn with a side of steamed veggies or a light salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Zucchini Or Yellow Squash Casserole for a comforting dinner. Consider adding a fresh fruit salad for dessert to complement the sweet and savory flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps keep the chicken's texture from becoming rubbery, unlike microwaving, which can overcook it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Ala Ellyn contains roughly 281 calories, with 27g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. At about 281 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but cooking times will vary. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You may need to adjust the frying and baking times to ensure the chicken is cooked evenly and thoroughly.
What can I serve with Chicken Ala Ellyn?
This dish pairs excellently with a side of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavors. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can also complement the rich flavors of the chicken and ham, creating a well-rounded meal.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Just refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).