Maxine'S Chicken
Maxine's Chicken is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender baked chicken topped with melted sharp cheese, enriched with a savory mixture of soups, onions, and a touch of white wine. Perfect for family dinners, it combines creamy flavors with smoky bacon and seasoned rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the cut-up chickens flat in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Chop the small onion and scatter over the top of the chicken.
- Mix the cream of chicken soup, can of bouillon soup, and white wine or sherry; pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Grate the sharp cheese and spread it over the top of the chicken and soups.
- Bake at 325°F for 3 hours.
- Cook the long grain rice according to package directions.
- In a small skillet, brown the chopped onion in part of the bacon grease until tender.
- Blend the bouillon soup and Worcestershire sauce; add this mixture to the cooked rice.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the rice mixture.
- During the last 30 minutes of baking the chicken, add the prepared rice mixture around the chicken and continue baking.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken with herbs and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have white wine or sherry, chicken broth can be a good substitute. You can also use a mix of different cheeses for a more complex taste. For a healthier version, you can replace the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it altogether.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Maxine's Chicken with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with a side of warm bread or rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or a creamy vegetable soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice mixture in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maxine'S Chicken contains roughly 697 calories, with 25g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1812mg per serving (79% 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 boneless chicken instead of cut-up chickens?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time as it may require less time to bake. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. You might also want to reduce the amount of liquid slightly to prevent the dish from becoming too soupy.
How do I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble it in the baking dish and cover tightly. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze Maxine's Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the dish after it has been cooked. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
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).