Cream Of Chicken Soup Baked Chicken Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to whip up but still feels like a home-cooked masterpiece, then you’ve come to the right place! This Cream of Chicken Soup Baked Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and downright delicious. It’s the kind of dish that makes your home smell like a warm hug, and it’s guaranteed to please everyone at the dinner table.

Baked chicken can sometimes be dry or bland, but with the creamy, flavorful punch of cream of chicken soup, this recipe elevates the dish to a whole new level of comfort food greatness. Plus, it’s simple, with a minimal list of ingredients, and doesn’t take too much time to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or preparing a Sunday feast, this recipe will satisfy the taste buds of even the pickiest eaters.

Now, let’s dive into the details of how to make this creamy baked chicken dish, along with some helpful tips and ways to tweak the recipe to your liking.

Cream Of Chicken Soup Baked Chicken Recipe

This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor, using the beloved cream of chicken soup to create a rich, creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken breasts, ensuring they come out moist and bursting with flavor. It’s a no-fuss, fuss-free way to make a crowd-pleasing meal. The beauty of it lies in its minimalism-just a few key ingredients and your oven will do most of the work for you.

Ingredients Needed

To make this Cream of Chicken Soup Baked Chicken, you’ll need just a handful of basic ingredients. But each one plays a vital role in creating that creamy, succulent flavor.

• Chicken Breasts (Boneless and Skinless): The star of the show! Chicken breasts are a lean, versatile cut that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
• Cream of Chicken Soup (Condensed): This is your main flavor booster! The thick, creamy texture adds richness to the chicken, while infusing it with that savory chicken flavor we all love. You could use homemade cream of chicken soup, but the canned version is quick and easy.
• Mayonnaise: It might sound like an unusual ingredient, but it’s the secret to making the sauce even creamier and richer. Mayonnaise helps keep the chicken juicy and tender while enhancing the flavor of the soup.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is a great seasoning that brings depth and warmth to the dish without overpowering the flavors.
• Onion Powder: Another pantry staple, onion powder contributes a subtle sweetness that complements the cream of chicken soup perfectly.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic but essential. Adjust these to taste based on your personal preference.
• Paprika: Optional, but a great way to add a hint of smokiness and color to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): For a bit of added richness and umami, sprinkle some parmesan cheese over the top before baking.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s go through the simple steps to create this delicious dish.

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready to bake your chicken to perfection.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent the chicken from sticking.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir until everything is well blended into a smooth sauce.
4. Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. If you’re using thicker chicken breasts, consider lightly pounding them for even cooking. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through while keeping it moist. After 25 minutes, remove the foil, and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the top to brown and the sauce to thicken.
6. Check for Doneness: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
7. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is bubbling and golden, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe has a reason for being included, and understanding why they work together can make you feel like a true culinary expert.

• Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are a great lean protein choice, but they can dry out if not cooked properly. That’s where the cream of chicken soup comes in-it keeps the chicken juicy and tender by creating a moist environment in the oven.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: The creamy texture of this soup is essential for creating that comforting sauce that envelops the chicken. Its concentrated flavor brings depth, making every bite flavorful. If you want to make the dish even richer, you can opt for the ’cream of mushroom’ variant or any other cream-based soup.
• Mayonnaise: It might seem out of place, but mayonnaise is a key ingredient in creating the perfect sauce. It’s essentially made from oil and eggs, which helps lock moisture in the chicken while adding a smooth, velvety texture.
• Seasonings: The garlic and onion powders are there to elevate the flavor without competing with the soup. Paprika gives a gentle smokiness that adds a whole new dimension.

Expert Tips

If you want to take your Cream of Chicken Soup Baked Chicken to the next level, here are some expert tips to ensure it’s a complete success:

• Pounding the Chicken Breasts: If you’re working with thicker chicken breasts, lightly pound them to an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and prevent dry spots.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the sauce mixture. A little fresh herb goes a long way in enhancing the dish’s flavor.
• Cheese It Up: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan cheese over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will add a gooey, cheesy layer on top that’s hard to resist.
• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you prefer bone-in chicken, feel free to swap the boneless chicken breasts for thighs or drumsticks. Bone-in pieces can add a richer flavor, and the skin will crisp up nicely under the sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Creamy Mushroom Chicken: Swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup for a more earthy, savory flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy variation. This pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup.
• Herb Infused: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for a more aromatic, herb-forward flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Try using tofu or tempeh in place of the chicken for a vegetarian alternative. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before baking.

Final Words

This Cream of Chicken Soup Baked Chicken recipe is more than just a dinner-it’s an experience. It’s a dish that brings comfort, satisfaction, and a lot of flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is a winner in any kitchen.