Easy Recipe for Baked Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Make your weeknight dinner special with this simple Baked Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe. It’s a comforting dish that’s ready in under an hour. The recipe uses bone-in chicken pieces smothered in a creamy sauce.
The sauce is made with cream of mushroom soup, cheese, onions, and fresh mushrooms. It’s a flavorful and creamy dish that’s great for family meals.
Why This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Recipe Works
This baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup is a hit for weeknight dinners. It only takes 20 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake. It’s great for busy family meals. You can also make it ahead of time for a tasty leftover-friendly meal.
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
This creamy mushroom chicken recipe is perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners. It’s made with simple ingredients and is easy to prepare. You can have it ready in just 40 minutes, making it a stress-free option for busy nights.
Make-Ahead Friendly
This recipe can be prepared up to two days in advance. Just assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s a great meal prep option for a delicious family meal on even the busiest nights.
Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
This creamy mushroom chicken recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses affordable ingredients like canned cream of mushroom soup and common pantry seasonings. This makes it a cost-effective choice for easy preparation and satisfying meals.
“This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The make-ahead convenience and delicious, creamy flavors make it a true family favorite.”
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Dish
To make the ultimate baked chicken with creamy mushroom sauce, start with the best ingredients. Choose high-quality, flavorful parts that blend well together.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
This recipe is best with bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. The bone-in cut makes the meat juicy and tender. The skin adds a crispy texture. You can mix chicken breasts, thighs, and drumsticks for different tastes.
Mushroom and Sauce Components
Fresh mushrooms like buttons, cremini, or a mix add an earthy flavor to the sauce. Cream of mushroom soup makes a creamy base. Adding sherry or white wine can boost the taste.
Seasoning and Herbs Selection
Seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper season the chicken and sauce. Dried thyme or other herbs can also improve the taste. Try different herb blends to find your favorite flavors.
With these key ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious baked chicken with creamy mushroom sauce. It’s sure to please your taste buds.
Preparation Tips and Techniques
To get the perfect baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup, start with the right prep. First, pound the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to make them even. This helps them cook evenly. Then, sear the chicken in a cast-iron skillet to get a golden-brown crust.
Next, deglaze the pan with chicken broth to get all the tasty bits from the bottom. Cook the onions and mushrooms in the same pan until they’re browned, and the liquid is gone. This adds a rich flavor that goes well with the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Use flour to thicken the sauce, then whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream for a smooth, velvety consistency.
- For an extra boost of richness, finish the sauce by melting in some Parmesan cheese just before assembling the dish.
By using these preparation tips and techniques, you’ll make a baked chicken dish with a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 4 |
| White Button Mushrooms, Sliced | 8 oz |
| Yellow Onion, Diced | one small |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 tbsp |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup |
Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Get ready to enjoy a tasty baked chicken dish. It combines the rich flavors of cream of mushroom soup with tender chicken. Follow this guide to make this comforting meal.
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken with flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure it’s evenly coated. Then, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides. After searing, set the chicken aside.
Making the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the onions and mushrooms until they’re tender and fragrant. Next, make the creamy mushroom sauce. Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, and your favorite seasonings. Stir until it’s well combined and hot.
Final Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the seared chicken in a baking dish. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over it, making sure the chicken is fully covered. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
The secret to perfect baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup is to season the chicken well. Sear it to keep the juices in. Then, bake it in the creamy sauce. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family!
Recipe Variations and Customization Options
Make your baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup even better by trying new things. Add vegetable additions like diced red bell peppers or fresh spinach to the mushroom mix. This adds color and nutrients. Try different cheese options like white cheddar, gruyere, or provolone for a unique taste.
For a creamier sauce, use milk substitutes like sour cream or full-fat yogurt instead of milk. Spice it up with seasoning alternatives like Italian seasoning, oregano, or poultry seasoning. This gives it a new flavor.
| Ingredient Substitutions | Potential Additions |
|---|---|
| – Sour cream for milk – Shredded gruyere or provolone for Swiss cheese | – Diced red bell peppers – Fresh spinach leaves – Italian seasoning or oregano |
For a fancy touch, add a splash of dry sherry or dry white wine to the sauce. This adds a special flavor. These small changes can make the dish your own, tailored to your family’s taste.
“The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. With just a few simple swaps, you can make it your own and enjoy a delicious, customized meal every time.”
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Make your baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup even better. Serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or jasmine rice. These choices soak up the creamy sauce, making your meal cozy and fulfilling.
To add a fresh touch, pair it with green vegetables. Try steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed green beans. They offer a nice contrast to the creamy chicken.
Recommended Side Dishes
- Buttery mashed potatoes
- Tender egg noodles
- Fluffy jasmine rice
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic and Parmesan
- Steamed broccoli with lemon and olive oil
- Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds
Plating and Presentation Tips
For a great look, top your baked chicken with green onions, herbs like parsley or thyme, or a bit of paprika. Add a side salad, like a citrus salad or tomato and onion salad, to cut the richness of the sauce.
| Side Dish | Prep Time | Cook Time | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Easy |
| Egg Noodles | 5 minutes | 8-10 minutes | Easy |
| Jasmine Rice | 5 minutes | 15-20 minutes | Easy |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | 15 minutes | 20-25 minutes | Moderate |
| Steamed Broccoli | 10 minutes | 5-7 minutes | Easy |
| Sautéed Green Beans | 10 minutes | 8-10 minutes | Moderate |
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
To keep your baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup tasty, follow some key steps. Proper storage and reheating are crucial. Let’s look at the best ways to keep your leftovers fresh and delicious.
After you eat, put any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep them there for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the microwave. Heat the sauce on the stovetop, whisking it gently to keep it creamy.
For easy prep ahead, you can make the whole dish up to two days early. Then, refrigerate it. When it’s time to eat, bake the covered dish at 350°F (177°C) for 20-30 minutes. This will make it hot and ready. Don’t freeze it, as the mushroom sauce might not stay together when thawed.
By using these simple reheating methods, you can enjoy your baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup anytime. It’s perfect for leftovers. Enjoy the flavors and textures of this comforting dish every day.
“Proper storage and reheating techniques are the keys to enjoying your baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup to the fullest, even as leftovers.”
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup, avoid a few common mistakes. This ensures your dish turns out delicious. Keep an eye on the temperature and sauce consistency to perfect your dish.
Temperature Control Tips
Overcooking chicken makes it dry and tough. This ruins the flavor and texture of your dish. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature.
The ideal temperature for juicy chicken breasts is 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the oven once it hits this temperature. This prevents overcooking.
Sauce Consistency Solutions
Getting the sauce consistency right is key for a balanced flavor. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream and cheese. This can cause it to separate.
If the sauce is too thick, add more milk or chicken broth slowly. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered to reduce excess liquid. Always taste and adjust the seasonings before baking.