Chicken Jack
Chicken Jack features tender breaded chicken stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese, baked in a savory mushroom and creamy soup sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 chicken breast halves, boned and skinned ⓘ
- 12 Monterey Jack cheese squares, 1/2-inch thick, 2 inches long ⓘ
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
- garlic salt
- parsley ⓘ
- 2 cups stuffing mix ⓘ
- 1 small can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 small can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 small can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/3 cup white wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts and roll around cheese squares.
- Place the stuffed chicken in a baking pan.
- Beat the egg and brush each piece of chicken with it.
- Sprinkle with garlic salt, parsley, and stuffing mix.
- Combine cream of mushroom, cream of celery, and cream of chicken soups with white wine and sliced mushrooms, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of garlic, olive oil, and herbs before rolling them with cheese. If Monterey Jack isn't available, pepper jack can provide a spicy kick. You can also use homemade or store-bought breadcrumbs instead of stuffing mix for a different texture. Make sure to pound the chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli, and a side of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the chicken. For a comforting meal, you might consider serving it alongside Chicken Crunch With Lemon Parsley Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Jack can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Jack contains roughly 435 calories, with 12g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (53% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1437mg per serving (62% 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 prepare Chicken Jack in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Jack a day ahead. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
What can I use instead of cream soups?
If you prefer a healthier option, consider using homemade cream of mushroom, celery, and chicken soups made with broth and milk or a dairy-free alternative. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream mixed with seasoning, but this may alter the flavor slightly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the soup mixture. Additionally, using pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack will provide a delightful spice kick that complements the creamy sauce.
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).