Chicken Le Marie
A savory chicken dish topped with spinach, ham, and a cheesy breadcrumb crust, perfect for comforting family dinners with rich flavors and crispy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine Italian bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Reserve half of the breadcrumb mixture.
- Dip each chicken breast fillet in the remaining breadcrumb mixture and place in a greased baking dish.
- Cook sliced green onions and butter in a skillet until tender.
- Blend flour and milk into the cooked onion mixture and cook until thickened.
- Stir chopped spinach and chopped ham into the sauce mixture.
- Pour the spinach and ham sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the reserved bread crumbs and cheese over the top of the chicken.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mixture. You can substitute the chopped ham with cooked bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version. If you prefer a crunchier topping, broil the dish for the last few minutes of baking. For a lighter sauce, use low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Le Marie with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with the Weekend Casserole for a hearty family dinner. For a more filling option, consider serving it over cooked rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers 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 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Le Marie contains roughly 429 calories, with 11g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), iron (20% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.
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 spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chopped spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce to avoid excess moisture. This will help maintain the desired texture of the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Chicken Le Marie gluten-free, substitute the Italian bread crumbs with a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative. Additionally, use a gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce. These adjustments will ensure the dish remains delicious and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble Chicken Le Marie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to cook, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).