Creamy Chicken Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Chicken breasts are a versatile and healthy protein option, but they can sometimes turn out dry if not cooked correctly. One simple way to avoid this is by baking them in a creamy, savory sauce that keeps the chicken moist and full of flavor. Enter the Creamy Chicken Bake—a rich, easy-to-make dish perfect for any dinner night. With just a few pantry staples and a one-pan bake, you’ll have a comforting and delicious meal that even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients:
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 ¾ oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 ¾ oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (8 oz.) mushrooms (stems and pieces), drained
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chopped chives
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mushrooms, water, onion powder, and chives. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Assemble the dish: Spoon the creamy mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts, making sure they are fully covered. Sprinkle paprika evenly across the top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. The chicken will be done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the cream sauce will be bubbling and lightly browned.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies to complete the meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.
- Add a crunchy topping: If you want a little extra texture, sprinkle the top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make it your own: You can easily modify this recipe by adding different herbs, spices, or veggies to suit your family’s tastes.
This Creamy Chicken Bake is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner. The sauce keeps the chicken tender and juicy, while the blend of mushroom and chicken soups adds a depth of flavor that’s irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish will quickly become a favorite!