Holiday Buffet Chicken
A comforting holiday dish featuring tender chicken baked over ham, topped with creamy mushroom sauce and sharp cheddar, perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the bottom of a baking dish with sliced ham; place the chicken breasts over the ham.
- In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, half and half, and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle grated sharp Cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Note: The sauce thickens as the dish cools.
- Serve with rice casserole or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the soup mixture. If you don't have half and half, you can use milk mixed with a bit of butter as a substitute. To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts, ensuring to adjust baking time accordingly. This dish pairs wonderfully with Baked Potatoes Supreme for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings and can be served with rice casserole or a side salad for a balanced meal. For a complete spread, consider pairing it with Chicken And Orange Rice Casserole, which offers a nice citrus contrast to the savory chicken. A crisp green vegetable, like steamed broccoli, would also complement this dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Buffet Chicken contains roughly 184 calories, with 11g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make sure to thaw them completely before baking. Cooking from frozen will require longer baking time, which may affect the texture. Thawed chicken ensures even cooking and better absorption of flavors from the sauce.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, cream, and broth. This will maintain the creamy texture while offering a different flavor profile, making it a flexible choice for this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the soup mixture. This will elevate the flavor without overpowering the dish. Alternatively, serve with Cajun Chicken Bites on the side for an extra kick.
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).