Chicken Birdies
Savory chicken bites rolled with smoked beef and bacon, topped with creamy mushroom sauce – a hearty, crowd‑pleasing entrée perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Divide the chipped beef into eight equal portions.
- Place an equal portion of beef on a flattened chicken breast, roll the chicken around the beef, and secure with a toothpick.
- Wrap a half slice of bacon around each rolled breast and secure with another toothpick.
- Arrange the eight wrapped breasts in a buttered casserole dish.
- Pour the canned mushroom soup and sour cream over the breasts, then sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35‑40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using prosciutto instead of bacon for a gourmet touch. To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite seasoning for a few hours before assembling. If you're pressed for time, you can use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw, just adjust the baking time to ensure everything is heated through. Pair with Ma Rob'S Broccoli Casserole for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Birdies over a bed of fluffy brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad make excellent sides, providing a nice contrast to the richness of the dish. Consider pairing it with Baked Tomatoes Florentine for a colorful and satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Birdies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overcook, which can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Birdies contains roughly 509 calories, with 21g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. 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 make Chicken Birdies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Birdies a day in advance. Assemble them and place them in the casserole dish, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply bake them directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use canned mushroom soup, you can make a homemade version using a simple roux of butter, flour, and chicken broth, adding sautéed mushrooms for flavor. This will give you more control over the ingredients and can create a richer taste.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey breasts or even pork tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), while turkey needs to be cooked thoroughly to ensure safety.
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).