Chicken Elegante
Chicken Elegante is a comforting baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in creamy soups and sharp cheese, with a touch of sherry for depth. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it offers rich flavors and a satisfying hearty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle chopped onion over the chicken.
- Mix cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, and cooking sherry together.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle shredded sharp cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until cooked through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the soup mixture. If you prefer a bit of spice, a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish. You can substitute the cooking sherry with white wine or chicken broth if desired. Also, feel free to use other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Elegante with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. It pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread for a comforting touch, or browse more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Elegante can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Elegante contains roughly 486 calories, with 24g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1304mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's recommended to thaw them first for even cooking. If you're short on time, you can bake them from frozen but increase the cooking time to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I substitute for the cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade béchamel sauce as an alternative. These substitutions will maintain the creamy texture while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Chicken Elegante a day in advance. Simply assemble it in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).