Chicken Rebecca
Creamy and savory baked chicken wrapped in bacon with dried beef and a rich cheese sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 9 x 12-inch pan.
- Separate dried beef and cover the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Wrap each chicken breast with a slice of bacon and place on top of the dried beef in the pan.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup until well combined.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the wrapped chicken breasts.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with paprika, and serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon and reduced-fat cream cheese. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade chicken broth and a bit of flour for thickening. Ensure the chicken is evenly wrapped in bacon to maintain moisture during baking. For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a lemon marinade before wrapping them.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Rebecca dish pairs beautifully with rice or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread to complete the experience. For a comforting twist, consider serving it with a side of Carolyn'S Chicken Casserole.
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 20-25 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring the bacon stays crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions but be cautious not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Rebecca contains roughly 471 calories, with 23g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (237% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), and iron (99% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 640mg per serving (28% 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 best to thaw them completely before wrapping in bacon. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption from the cream cheese mixture during baking.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can make your own cream of chicken soup by mixing chicken broth with flour and milk until thickened. Adding some sautéed onions and garlic can enhance the flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced.
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).