Name: Ultimate Chicken Gloria Recipe: Delicious & Simple Dinner
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika (sweet or smoked); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced; ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; ½ cup chicken broth (for deglazing, replacing wine); ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (for sauce base); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 4-5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped; ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Chicken Gloria, oh what a magnificent dish!

I am absolutely thrilled to share with you a recipe that truly lives up to its name. This isn’t just any chicken dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings a touch of elegance and profound satisfaction to any table. While its precise historical origins might be debated among culinary enthusiasts, Chicken Gloria has certainly earned its place as a beloved classic in countless kitchens, often evoking images of hearty, comforting meals perfected over generations. It’s a dish that speaks of rich traditions and the joy of a truly delicious home-cooked meal.

I’ve found that people fall deeply in love with this dish for myriad reasons. Firstly, the succulent chicken, cooked to tender perfection, combined with a rich, velvety sauce, creates an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures that is simply unforgettable. Whether it’s the aromatic herbs, the creamy base, or the delightful way it pairs with simple sides, every bite is a revelation. It’s the kind of meal that feels luxurious enough for a special occasion, yet surprisingly accessible for a weeknight dinner when you want to impress without the fuss. Preparing Chicken Gloria is an act of culinary joy, and I promise you, the results are nothing short of spectacular.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs total) – You could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer; they tend to be incredibly forgiving and flavorful in a rich sauce like this.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more if needed for searing) – My go-to for almost everything in the kitchen!
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt – Always essential for bringing out the best in our ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Because fresh pepper just makes everything better, doesn’t it?
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a lovely, mellow garlic note to the chicken itself.
- ½ teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked, your preference) – I often reach for smoked paprika here; it introduces a subtle, warm depth that truly elevates the flavor profile of our Chicken Gloria.
For the Glorious Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – For that luscious richness we all crave in a good sauce.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced – The aromatic foundation for our incredibly flavorful sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t be shy with the garlic! It’s one of the stars of this show, adding layers of savory goodness.
- 8 oz cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced – They absorb all the beautiful flavors and add a wonderful earthy texture.
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced – These are a secret weapon, providing a concentrated sweet-tart burst that brightens the entire dish and makes our Chicken Gloria truly shine.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Our trusty friend for achieving that perfectly silky and thick sauce consistency.
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) – This deglazes the pan beautifully, adding a sophisticated depth of flavor. If you prefer to cook without wine, simply substitute with an equal amount of additional chicken broth.
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth – The liquid backbone of our creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream – For that undeniable luxurious, velvety texture that makes this Chicken Gloria so incredibly comforting and indulgent.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – A little tang to cut through the richness and add complexity – trust me on this one!
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – A classic blend that brings all the traditional herbaceous notes to our dish.
- 4-5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped – For a pop of vibrant color and a dose of freshness that wilts down beautifully into the sauce.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving – For a nutty, salty, utterly irresistible finish that melts right into our glorious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish – A bright, fresh finish that really makes the dish pop visually and in terms of flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Always, always taste and adjust your seasoning throughout the cooking process!

Preparing Your Ingredients for Chicken Gloria (Mise en Place)

Pat the Chicken Dry: Let’s start with our chicken! Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is absolutely crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown sear later. Any moisture on the surface of the chicken will cause it to steam in the pan instead of searing, and we definitely want that gorgeous crust for our Chicken Gloria. Once dry, place them on a clean cutting board.
Butterfly and Flatten the Chicken: For even cooking, especially with thicker chicken breasts, I always recommend butterflying them. Carefully slice each breast horizontally through the middle, almost all the way to the other side, so it opens up like a book. Then, place a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper over each butterflied breast and use a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy pan to gently pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures they cook quickly and uniformly, preventing one part from drying out while another is still cooking. If you’re using chicken thighs, simply pat them dry and leave them whole; they are generally more even in thickness already.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine your 1 teaspoon of kosher or sea salt, ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of paprika (smoked or sweet, whichever you prefer!). Sprinkle this seasoning blend generously over both sides of your flattened chicken breasts (or thighs). Make sure to rub it in gently to ensure every piece is well-coated. This seasoning step is vital for building layers of flavor in our Chicken Gloria. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare the rest of your ingredients. This brief resting period also gives the seasonings a moment to really penetrate the meat.
Prepare the Aromatics and Vegetables: This is where we get everything ready so the cooking process flows smoothly – a true chef’s secret!
- Onion: Peel and finely dice your medium yellow onion. Aim for small, even pieces so they soften and become translucent quickly, forming a beautifully smooth base for our sauce without any chunky bits.
- Garlic: Peel and mince your four cloves of garlic. Remember, freshly minced garlic always yields the best and most potent flavor!
- Mushrooms: If using whole mushrooms, give them a quick wipe with a damp cloth to clean them (avoid rinsing, as they can absorb water and become soggy). Then, slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you’re using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain them well from their oil and then thinly slice them. If you happen to have dry-packed ones, you’ll need to rehydrate them first in warm water for about 15-20 minutes, then drain and slice. These little gems are packed with concentrated tomato flavor that adds a fantastic, zesty dimension to your Chicken Gloria.
- Spinach: Roughly chop your fresh spinach. Don’t worry too much about perfection here, as it will wilt down significantly once it hits the warm sauce.
- Parmesan and Parsley: Grate your Parmesan cheese if it’s not pre-grated – fresh is always best! Chop your fresh parsley for garnish. Having everything chopped, measured, and ready to go before you even turn on the stove is the absolute key to an enjoyable and stress-free cooking experience for this amazing Chicken Gloria.

Cooking the Chicken to Perfection

Heat the Skillet: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat up until it’s shimmering. You want the pan to be hot enough to get a really good sear on the chicken, but not smoking excessively. A well-heated pan is essential for that beautiful golden crust.
Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet in a single layer. It’s incredibly important not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the pan’s temperature and cause the chicken to steam rather than sear, which means you’ll miss out on that delicious browned crust. You might need to do this in two batches, depending on the size of your skillet. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown sear and is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

My best tip here: Resist the urge to move the chicken too early! That’s how you truly get the best, most flavorful sear. Once it’s properly browned, it will release easily from the pan.
Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully transfer the seared chicken breasts to a clean plate. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to keep them warm and, more importantly, to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This resting period is absolutely essential for tender, juicy chicken, which is a hallmark of truly delicious Chicken Gloria. While the chicken rests, we’ll build our spectacular sauce right in the same pan, capturing all those wonderful browned bits of flavor.

Building the Glorious Sauce for Chicken Gloria

Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. Let it melt, then use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan – these are pure flavor gold and will contribute immensely to the depth of our sauce! Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add your finely diced yellow onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes beautifully translucent. The kitchen is already starting to smell amazing, isn’t it?
Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Now, stir in your minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically. You’ll notice the mushrooms will release their moisture first, and then as that evaporates, they’ll start to brown slightly and develop a richer flavor. The aroma at this stage is absolutely divine and sets the stage for our incredible Chicken Gloria sauce!
Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Flour: Add the thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and give them a quick stir with the softened onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Next, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, cooking the flour to remove any raw flour taste. This step is key; this flour will act as our thickener, creating a wonderfully smooth and luscious sauce for our Chicken Gloria.
Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine. Immediately scrape the bottom of the pan vigorously with your wooden spoon, dissolving any remaining browned bits (the fond) into the liquid. This process, called deglazing, adds incredible depth of flavor. Let the wine simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and leaving behind a concentrated, complex taste. If you’re substituting with chicken broth, add it now instead of wine and continue to the next step.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 1½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine, making sure there are no lumps from the flour – we want a perfectly smooth sauce! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, or until it begins to slightly thicken and coats the back of your spoon. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Introduce the Cream and Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow the sauce to gently warm through, but it’s important to avoid bringing it to a rolling boil once the cream is added, as it can sometimes cause the cream to separate. Then, gradually stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly and completely into the sauce, making it even richer, more savory, and utterly decadent.

Taste and Adjust: This is a crucial moment! Now is the time to taste your glorious sauce. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember, the flavors will continue to meld, but getting the seasoning right at this stage is key to a truly outstanding Chicken Gloria. Don’t be afraid to add a little more if you feel it needs it!

Finishing and Serving Your Chicken Gloria

Stir in the Spinach: Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down, which will only take a minute or two. The vibrant green of the spinach adds beautiful color, freshness, and an extra layer of nutrition to your Chicken Gloria. It just makes the dish look even more inviting!
Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Carefully slice your rested chicken breasts against the grain into thick, succulent slices. (If you used thighs, you can leave them whole or slice them as desired.) Gently nestle the chicken slices (and, please, don’t forget any accumulated juices from the resting plate – that’s pure flavor!) back into the prepared sauce. Spoon some of the luscious sauce over the chicken to ensure every piece is coated in the creamy, garlicky deliciousness.
Gentle Simmer and Final Touches: Let the Chicken Gloria gently simmer for another 2-3 minutes on low heat, just enough time for the chicken to warm through and truly absorb the incredible flavors of the sauce. You want everything to be perfectly integrated and come together as one harmonious dish. This short simmer helps finish off the cooking process and allows the flavors to marry beautifully.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with the freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired – because, why not?

Congratulations, your homemade Chicken Gloria is now ready to be enjoyed! This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with so many sides. I absolutely love serving it over a bed of al dente pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy white rice to soak up every last drop of that amazing, flavorful sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple, crisp fresh salad. Get ready for rave reviews; this Chicken Gloria is truly a showstopper and quickly becomes a family favorite! Enjoy every glorious bite!

Conclusion:

After walking you through every delightful step, I genuinely hope you’re feeling inspired and ready to bring this incredible dish to life in your own kitchen. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors that manages to be both profoundly comforting and elegantly sophisticated at the same time. What truly sets this recipe apart, making it an absolute must-try, is its masterful balance. We’re talking about that perfect interplay of tender, succulent chicken bathed in a sauce that’s rich without being heavy, bright without being overly acidic, and deeply aromatic with herbs and spices that sing together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor each bite, a culinary moment you’ll want to revisit again and again. The magic truly happens as the ingredients meld together, transforming simple components into something extraordinary. Trust me when I say, the effort, which is surprisingly minimal for the impressive result, is incredibly rewarding. You’re not just cooking; you’re creating a masterpiece that will undoubtedly earn you rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to try it.

Once you’ve experienced the sheer delight of preparing and tasting the marvelous Chicken Gloria, you’ll naturally start thinking about how to present it and what to pair it with to complete the meal. For a classic, utterly satisfying experience, I always recommend serving it alongside a bed of fluffy basmati rice or a creamy potato gratin. The rice perfectly soaks up every drop of that exquisite sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste, while the potatoes offer a comforting counterpoint to the chicken’s richness. If you’re leaning towards something a bit lighter, consider some perfectly al dente fettuccine or linguine, tossed lightly with a touch of butter and fresh parsley – it’s simple, elegant, and lets the main dish shine. Green vegetables are also a fantastic addition; think steamed asparagus spears, green beans almondine, or a vibrant mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. These additions provide a wonderful textural contrast and a refreshing element to balance the meal.

But the versatility of this recipe doesn’t stop at serving suggestions; there are so many exciting variations you can explore to truly make it your own. If you’re looking to introduce a subtle smoky depth, a touch of smoked paprika can work wonders in the sauce. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the aromatics will give it a fantastic kick. Feeling adventurous with herbs? Try incorporating a sprig of fresh rosemary alongside the thyme, or finish with a sprinkle of chopped chives for a delicate oniony note. Don’t have chicken breasts on hand? Thighs would work beautifully too, offering an even richer flavor and staying incredibly moist during cooking. If you need a dairy-free option, you can easily substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative or even a creamy cashew sauce for similar richness, though the flavor profile will subtly shift. For a gluten-free meal, simply ensure any thickeners or broths you use are certified gluten-free, and serve with rice or gluten-free pasta. This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and adaptable, inviting your personal touch and creativity.

Now it’s your turn!

I cannot emphasize enough how much I encourage you to set aside some time, gather your ingredients, and embark on this culinary adventure. You’re not just following a recipe; you’re about to create something truly special, something that will impress your family and friends, and most importantly, something that will bring immense satisfaction to you, the cook. Don’t be intimidated; the steps are straightforward, and the result is magnificent. Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear all about your experience. Did you add your own unique twist? What did you serve it with? How did your loved ones react? Your feedback, your photos, and your stories are what make this community so vibrant and inspiring. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. There’s a real joy in cooking and an even greater joy in sharing those experiences, triumphs, and even the learning moments, with others. So go ahead, give this spectacular chicken dish a try, and prepare to add a new favorite to your culinary repertoire. I’m already looking forward to hearing about your delicious journey!