Creamy chicken bake is a comforting, oven-baked dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich and creamy sauce, often complemented by vegetables and a crunchy topping. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit different tastes and ingredients on hand. Here’s a detailed recipe to make a delicious creamy chicken bake:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or any mixed vegetables)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chicken broth, shredded cheese (if using), and the cooked onions and garlic.
- Stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley, and mixed vegetables. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Spread a small amount of the creamy sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is well covered.
- Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the creamy chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the creamy chicken bake over rice, pasta, or with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
Tips:
- Variations: You can add different vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or mushrooms based on your preference.
- Cheese: For a different flavor, try using Swiss or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar.
- Leftovers: This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.