Poultry Main Dishes
Creamy chicken casserole with spinach, mushrooms, and ham, topped with Parmesan, offering rich flavors and comfort, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Italian-seasoned fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 6 whole large chicken breasts, skinned, split lengthwise and boned
- 1/2 cup sliced green onion
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) package boiled ham slices, diced ⓘ
- 8 oz. sour cream ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sherry
- 1/3 soup can sherry ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and sherry together.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Spread chopped mushrooms on top of the mixture.
- Cover and bake in a 325°F oven for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes at 350°F.
- Serve hot with egg noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before baking. If you don't have sherry, a splash of white wine or chicken broth can be a great substitute. To enhance the dish, you can mix in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers with the spinach. Using fresh spinach instead of frozen can also elevate the taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with egg noodles, which soak up the creamy sauce perfectly. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a light and refreshing contrast. If you're looking for more chicken ideas, check out other American recipes that offer similar flavor profiles.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave portions on medium power, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poultry Main Dishes contains roughly 495 calories, with 15g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (68% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.
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 other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. For a more robust taste, consider using a sharp cheddar, while mozzarella will offer a milder, creamier finish.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium soup to cut down on calories and sodium. Additionally, using skinless chicken breasts and incorporating more vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, will increase the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).