Tender chicken breast covered in a homemade mushroom sauce and topped with gooey, melted cheese is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance.
Gloria. Maybe you know her from the old Van Morrison song where he spelled out her name? Or maybe you’re more familiar with Laura Branigan’s “Gloria,” the one with that great line: “If everybody wants you, why isn’t anybody callin’?” Or maybe you don’t know either song, and your first introduction to Gloria is going to be this absolutely gorgeous chicken dish.
Why is it called Chicken Gloria? No one seems to know. Most food historians describe it as a classic American dish with French roots, a Betty Crocker recipe that’s been around for decades (and Betty often gets the credit for making Chicken Gloria famous). One thing is for sure: it really is glorious. Creamy and cheesy with an amazing mushroom sauce enhanced with sherry, this is one of those dishes your family is going to ask for over and over again.
What makes it so delicious? Well, it starts with browning the floured chicken breasts in olive oil and butter. Browning is where the flavor begins to develop. Then the onions and garlic are cooked in the same skillet, picking up all the goodness the chicken left behind. Next, the mushrooms go in until they become beautifully golden, at which point you’ll deglaze them with sherry and add chicken broth and half-and-half to create the rich, velvety mushroom sauce to pour over your chicken. Then slices of sharp, tangy Muenster cheese go on top of the chicken and sauce, and melt so perfectly during baking. Finally, a few minutes under the broiler to get that cheese crispy and bubbly, and the next thing you know, you are eating one of the most delicious things ever done to a chicken breast.
What Is Sherry?
Sherry is a fortified wine that is made in southern Spain. There are various styles of sherry, such as Amontillado and Manzanilla, and they range from dry to sweet. The sherry-making process is complex, but here is a simplified explanation. Fortified refers to the fact that an additional alcohol, often brandy, is added to the wine after fermentation, and that’s what turns the wine into sherry and gives it its distinctive taste. Sherry is then aged, usually for a minimum of two years. While it’s often used for cooking, like in our recipe, sherry is enjoyed by many people as an aperitif or with a meal. Its flavor is often described as nutty and floral or fruity, and once you’ve tried it—on its own or in a dish—you’ll always be able to recognize it and distinguish it from regular wine.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Cooked and cooled Chicken Gloria can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I Prep This Ahead?
Yes. You can make Chicken Gloria a day ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then bake it when you are ready.
Will Dark Meat Work In This Recipe?
I don’t see why not. Skinless, boneless chicken thighs can be prepared in the same way the chicken breasts are and will be delicious.
Can I Use White Wine If I Don’t Have Sherry?
Sherry has a more intense flavor than white wine, but you can still use it in this dish. We recommend a dry white wine, such as a sauvignon blanc.
Serving Suggestions
While rice and salad are great with Chicken Gloria, there are other options. You could serve this dish with Quinoa, a heartier grain that will absorb the sauce wonderfully and add a lovely nutty flavor. Or you could have a simple pasta dish on the side, such as this delicious Pasta With Peas. And if you want another creamy element (and who wouldn’t?), try The BEST Mashed Potatoes or Mashed Cauliflower. Crunchy cooked vegetables are also a great pairing. We love Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Parmesan Roasted Asparagus as a side. And speaking of asparagus, these Blue Cheese And Asparagus Rolls are a great way to get a veg and a bread into this meal.
This dish is so rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful that I usually just serve it with some Baked Rice and a fresh Green Salad (usually with French Dressing to honor this dish’s roots). But some Garlic Rolls are not a bad idea to sop up that sauce!
Chicken Gloria Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large chicken breasts halved lengthwise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
- 1/3 cup dry sherry
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 6 slices Muenster cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then use 5 tablespoons of flour to dredge chicken, shaking off excess.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Add chicken and brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent. Add mushrooms and sprinkle on remaining 3 tablespoons of flour. Cook until golden.
- Deglaze with sherry, then add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in half-and-half, and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Pour the mushroom sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. Top with slices of Muenster cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, then broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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