Chicken And Mushrooms(Can Be Made Up To 24 Hours In Advance)
Creamy chicken and mushroom casserole with melted mozzarella, perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals that develop flavor when chilled and reheated.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1/4 cup flour, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and a dash of pepper in a bowl.
- Halve the chicken breasts and coat them with the flour mixture.
- Brown the coated chicken breasts in butter in a skillet.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet and simmer, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken to a 2-quart baking dish.
- Reserve the drippings in the skillet.
- Combine 2 tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and light cream in a bowl.
- Stir the cream mixture into the reserved drippings in the skillet.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup and stir until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Drain the sliced mushrooms and add them along with lemon juice to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Cover and chill the dish for up to 24 hours if preparing ahead.
- Bake covered at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes until hot.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole and bake uncovered for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the flour mixture. If you're out of light cream, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of cornstarch for thickness. To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of raw. This dish is perfect for meal prep; just ensure to chill the sauce before pouring it over the chicken for even flavor distribution.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken and Mushrooms dish with a side of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the casserole. You could also serve it alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a cozy winter dinner, consider pairing it with No-Fuss Zesty Potato Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. If you want to keep the cheese melty, cover with foil during reheating and remove it for the last few minutes to crisp up the top.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Mushrooms(Can Be Made Up To 24 Hours In Advance) contains roughly 723 calories, with 14g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella adds a nice melty texture, you can substitute it with cheddar or gouda for a sharper flavor. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on your taste preferences, as some cheeses melt differently.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the cream of mushroom soup and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavors without the gluten.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken and Mushrooms before baking. Prepare the dish up to the point of adding the sauce, then cover tightly and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).