Meredith'S Chicken
A comforting baked chicken dish wrapped in dried beef and bacon, topped with creamy mushroom sauce — rich, savory, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with sliced dried beef.
- Wrap each half chicken breast with one slice of bacon.
- Place the wrapped chicken breasts on the dried beef lining the pan.
- Mix sour cream and cream of mushroom soup together.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- For make-ahead, it can be baked for 2 hours at 250°F (120°C).
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use thinly sliced dried beef to ensure it crisps up nicely while baking. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be used in place of raw bacon. Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sour cream and mushroom mixture for extra flavor. This recipe is similar to Sour Cream Baked Chicken, so you could also experiment with similar flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Meredith's Chicken over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Green beans or a fresh garden salad make excellent side dishes that complement the richness of the chicken. This dish pairs beautifully with 15 Minute Chicken Casserole for a family meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat, which can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meredith'S Chicken contains roughly 341 calories, with 26g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. At about 341 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 they should be thawed completely before wrapping with bacon. Cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using heavy cream, sautéed mushrooms, and seasonings. This will slightly alter the taste but still provide a creamy base.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just allow extra time for it to heat through during baking. Alternatively, for make-ahead convenience, bake it for 2 hours at 250°F (120°C) before refrigerating.
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).