Chicken Plus
A hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts wrapped in bacon, layered with dried beef, and baked in a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of a greased baking dish with dried beef, torn into bite-sized pieces.
- Wrap each chicken breast with a slice of bacon and arrange the breasts on top of the dried beef.
- Mix the mushroom soup and sour cream together and pour over the chicken breasts.
- Refrigerate, covered, for 2 hours or overnight.
- Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake uncovered for 3 hours at 275°F or until the chicken is tender.
- Do not overbake.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in your choice of spices or a light marinade before wrapping them in bacon. If you're looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon can be used instead of regular bacon. You can also experiment with different cream soups, such as celery or chicken, for varied taste. Ensure to keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as Marinated Potato And Mushroom Salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also serve it alongside rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete dinner, consider adding a side of crusty bread to round out the experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, place the chicken in a baking dish, and cover with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure to wrap it well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Plus contains roughly 246 calories, with 17g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 476mg per serving (21% 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 Plus in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! After assembling the chicken, simply cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What can I substitute for the mushroom soup?
If you don't have mushroom soup on hand, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce as a substitute. Just mix in some sautéed mushrooms for flavor. Additionally, consider using a low-fat version of the soup if you're looking for a healthier option.
Is there a way to make this dish lower in fat?
Absolutely! You can use skinless chicken breasts, opt for turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat sour cream. This will help reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining a creamy texture.
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).