Chicken Riviera
Juicy chicken breasts are wrapped in bacon, filled with cream cheese and chives, then baked in a tangy Catalina dressing for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 8 halves of chicken breasts between Saran Wrap and pound down to 1/2 inch thickness.
- Spread each piece with softened cream cheese mixed with chives.
- Roll each piece jelly roll style and wrap with one slice of bacon.
- Brown each piece in a sauté pan until bacon looks nearly done.
- Transfer chicken to a large Pyrex dish.
- Pour a bottle of Catalina salad dressing evenly over all pieces.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Serve with egg noodles or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a touch of garlic powder or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to the cream cheese and chives mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon can be substituted for regular bacon. Additionally, using a low-fat cream cheese can reduce the calorie count without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Riviera over a bed of egg noodles or rice to soak up the delicious Catalina dressing. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements the dish nicely, adding color and balance. For an impressive meal, pair it with a glass of white wine or a light-bodied red to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Riviera should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Riviera contains roughly 422 calories, with 24g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (431% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (224% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 530mg per serving (23% 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 Riviera ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to add the dressing right before baking to prevent the chicken from becoming too soggy.
What can I use instead of Catalina dressing?
If Catalina dressing is unavailable, a sweet French dressing or a homemade mix of ketchup, vinegar, and sugar can serve as a substitute. Just ensure it has a similar sweet and tangy profile to maintain the dish's flavor.
Can I freeze Chicken Riviera?
Yes, Chicken Riviera can be frozen before baking. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This is a great option for meal prep.
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).