Chicken Skanavis
Chicken Skanavis is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with Swiss cheese, baked under a flavorful stuffing crust. The creamy sherry-infused sauce and rich butter topping create a savory, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a casserole dish and cover each with Swiss cheese.
- Dilute the can of cream of chicken soup with the sherry and pour over the chicken.
- Top the dish with Pepperidge Farm herb stuffing.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before assembling the dish. If Swiss cheese isn't available, Gruyère or mozzarella can be good substitutes. To make it lighter, you could use a low-fat cream of chicken soup. Additionally, adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach can enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Skanavis pairs beautifully with a fresh Greek Chicken Salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light green salad to complement the richness of the dish. For a more filling option, buttery garlic bread or creamy mashed potatoes would make excellent sides. A glass of sherry can enhance the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dish covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them, as this can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Skanavis contains roughly 1381 calories, with 18g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 142g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 950mg per serving (41% 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 Skanavis in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. This can save you time on busy days.
What can I use instead of sherry in this recipe?
If you don't have sherry, white wine or chicken broth can serve as a substitute. For a non-alcoholic option, use a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. This will maintain the dish's moisture without altering the flavor significantly.
Is it possible to freeze Chicken Skanavis?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked Chicken Skanavis. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. However, baked leftovers are best consumed fresh.
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).