Church Special
A comforting baked chicken dish with creamy gravy, perfect for church gatherings and family dinners, featuring flavorful seasoning and served over rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut up the fryer into pieces.
- Season each piece with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken pieces in a large buttered baking pan.
- Bring water to a boil enough to almost cover the chicken.
- Pour boiling water over the floured chicken pieces.
- Sprinkle paprika over the chicken and let it brown in the oven.
- Just before removing from the oven, pour a can of cream of chicken soup over the chicken.
- Let it cook until the gravy is well mixed and heated through.
- Serve the chicken and gravy over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier finish, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking. If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, consider using a homemade white sauce with chicken broth and cream. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile. To save time, you can substitute with pre-cut chicken pieces.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served over steamed rice, which soaks up the delicious gravy. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of green beans or a fresh salad. It also pairs beautifully with Chicken Stretch for a hearty family dinner or potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, covered, to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Church Special contains roughly 22 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1288mg per serving (56% 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 bone-in chicken instead of a fryer?
Yes, bone-in chicken pieces will work well for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring they are cooked through and tender.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
You can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup for a vegetarian version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and gravy a day in advance. Just reheat it gently before serving, and it will still taste delicious.
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).