Chicken Gloria is a delectable baked chicken casserole, traditionally made with chicken and mushroom gravy. While many recipes historically call for canned cream of mushroom soup, our version prides itself on a rich, flavorful homemade gravy, offering a superior taste and texture.

While Chicken Gloria is traditionally centered around chicken and mushrooms, its creamy base is incredibly versatile for adding other vegetables. Consider boosting the nutritional value and flavor with additions like:

• Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast.
• Crispy bacon bits: Introduces a smoky, salty crunch.
• Cauliflower florets: A mild, hearty addition.
• Green beans: For a pop of color and tender-crisp texture.
• Sliced carrots: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
• Asparagus spears: A delicate, earthy flavor.
• Brussel sprouts: For a robust, slightly nutty taste.
• Bell peppers: Offers sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal.

Simply sauté these vegetables along with the mushrooms and onions, or blanch them lightly before adding to the casserole dish.

This Chicken Gloria recipe relies on basic, high-quality ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary. The cheese, in particular, can be easily customized to your preference.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders are ideal for quick cooking and tender results.
• Flour: Used for dredging the chicken and thickening the gravy. For a gluten-free option, cornstarch works beautifully as a substitute.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that form the foundation of flavor for both the chicken and the gravy.
• Oil for Frying: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or soybean oil are all suitable for pan-frying the chicken and sautéing vegetables.
• Fresh White Button Mushrooms: These are widely available and offer a classic earthy flavor. Feel free to explore cremini or shiitake for added depth.
• Garlic: Freshly crushed garlic cloves are non-negotiable for their aromatic punch.
• Unsalted Butter: The base for our rich roux. If using salted butter, simply adjust the added salt in the gravy.
• Chicken Broth: Provides the savory liquid foundation for the gravy. You can also use 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon powder dissolved in 2 cups of water.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Key to achieving that luxurious, velvety texture. Whole milk or half-and-half can be used for a lighter option, but the richness will be slightly reduced.
• Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess, balancing the richness of the other ingredients. We recommend a good quality brand like Daisy.
• Muenster Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy flavor. Monterey Jack, Colby, or Mozzarella are excellent substitutes.
• Paprika: Contributes a beautiful hue and a subtle, sweet peppery note to the chicken dish.
• White Distilled Vinegar: A secret weapon! A tiny splash cuts through the richness, brightening the overall flavor profile and preventing the dish from tasting too heavy.

Absolutely! Making this creamy chicken casserole gluten-free is straightforward. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Cornstarch is an excellent thickening agent for gravies and slurries. When using cornstarch, remember to create a slurry (mix with a small amount of cold liquid) before adding it to the hot gravy to prevent lumps. Be mindful not to use an excessive amount, as it can sometimes leave a subtle starchy aftertaste if overdone.

Given the rich, flavorful gravy of this chicken recipe, it pairs beautifully with starches that can soak up every last drop. Classic companions include:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A timeless combination, perfect for soaking up the luscious gravy. Try our best mashed potatoes recipe.
• Fluffy White Rice: A simple yet effective canvas for the rich chicken and mushroom sauce. Learn how to cook perfect rice.
• Pasta: Transform it into a gourmet Alfredo-style dish by spooning the casserole mixture over fettuccine, linguine, or penne.

To balance the richness, fresh salads make excellent side dishes:

• A crisp cucumber cabbage salad.
• A refreshing and creamy cucumber tomato salad.

Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up any remaining gravy!

Yes, gravy actually freezes remarkably well, and this creamy chicken casserole is no exception! Freezing leftovers is a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade meal on a busy day. Many people freeze sausage gravy for future biscuit breakfasts, and this chicken gravy holds up just as beautifully.

To freeze Chicken Gloria: Assemble all ingredients in a disposable baking dish (this makes for easy transfer and less cleanup!). Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, consider a double layer of foil or a freezer-safe lid to prevent freezer burn.

To reheat: Thaw the frozen casserole completely in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, bake as instructed in the recipe for approximately 45 minutes, or until it’s thoroughly hot and bubbling. If baking from frozen, it will take significantly longer (potentially 1.5-2 hours) at a slightly lower temperature (e.g., 325°F) to ensure even heating without drying out the top, then uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes.

This creamy chicken casserole is an ideal candidate for meal prepping and making ahead, especially since all the components are layered before baking anyway! This makes it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or entertaining.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Casserole ahead of time: Prepare and layer the chicken, mushrooms, and homemade gravy according to the recipe instructions. Allow the assembled casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply uncover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, hot, and the chicken is cooked through.

For a hands-off approach, this Chicken Gloria casserole can be adapted for a slow cooker, delivering the same tender chicken and creamy sauce with minimal effort.

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour. Place the floured chicken evenly at the bottom of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.
2. In a medium saucepan, sauté the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion for about 10 minutes until softened and slightly browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Spread this mushroom-onion mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Using the same saucepan (no need to clean!), melt the butter. Stir in the remaining flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the sour cream, vinegar, salt, pepper, and paprika until the gravy begins to thicken. Finally, add the Muenster cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Pour this homemade creamy gravy evenly over the chicken and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce is bubbly and heated through. Serve directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish.

Ingredients for the Mushrooms and Chicken:

Homemade Gravy:

How to make Creamy Chicken Casserole:

• Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge in the flour and fry in batches using 3 Tbsp of oil for each batch until golden brown. Transfer to a 9×13 baking dish. Reserve the remaining dredging flour for the gravy.
• Wipe the skillet clean and add 3 tbsp of oil. Fry the sliced mushrooms and onion for about 10 minutes over medium-high heat until softened and lightly caramelized. Add the crushed garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Transfer this mixture to the baking dish, spreading it over the chicken.
• Return the same frying pan to the heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the reserved dredging flour (approximately 1/3 cup) to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Whisk in the sour cream, white distilled vinegar, salt, pepper, and paprika. Continue to stir until the gravy is creamy and thick. Finally, stir in the Muenster cheese until fully melted and smooth. Pour this rich homemade gravy evenly over the layered chicken and mushrooms in the baking dish. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, or until bubbly and hot.

• Quick Meat-Tenderizer: For extra tender chicken, sprinkle chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 Tbsp of vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes before proceeding with the recipe. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry before using.
• Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle the finished casserole with additional black pepper and freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
• Make-Ahead Instructions: Layer the cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and prepared gravy in the baking dish according to the recipe. Allow to cool completely. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, uncover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until bubbly and hot throughout.
• Freezer Instructions: Prepare and layer the casserole in a disposable pan for easy freezing and thawing. Allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover tightly with foil (double layer for best results) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as instructed above.

Nutrition per serving