Picnic Style Chicken Breast
A hearty and savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts wrapped in bacon, layered over chipped beef and smothered in creamy soup, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Place chipped beef in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch glass dish.
- Wrap each chicken breast with a strip of bacon after rolling up the breast.
- Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Arrange the wrapped chicken breasts over the chipped beef in the dish.
- Pour cream of chicken soup over the chicken breasts.
- Add sour cream and water, covering as desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is cooked through, about 2.75 hours, basting occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream of chicken soup. If you prefer a lighter option, try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Additionally, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor and healthier profile. This recipe works well with variations like Chicken Salad Riviera, providing a creative spin on classic chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the picnic-style chicken breasts with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. Pairing with rice or mashed potatoes can also complement the creamy sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, consider browsing more American recipes featuring chicken, such as Colorful Stuffed Peppers or Chicken With Creamy Broccoli Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring any leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, ensuring it is heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picnic Style Chicken Breast contains roughly 238 calories, with 9g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 844mg per serving (37% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and proper flavor absorption. It’s best to plan ahead and defrost them in the refrigerator overnight for optimal results.
What can I substitute for the chipped beef?
If you can’t find chipped beef, you can use thinly sliced ham or prosciutto as a substitute. This will still provide a nice salty flavor that complements the dish. Alternatively, omit it entirely for a lighter version and serve it with a savory sauce on the side.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced with a knife, indicating that it is done.
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).