Laura Smith
Baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup is a classic, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce, making it a favorite for family dinners. This simple yet flavorful recipe typically involves coating chicken pieces in a mixture of cream of mushroom soup, herbs, and spices, then baking it to perfection until the chicken is juicy and the sauce is bubbly and golden. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables, and its versatility allows for customization with additional ingredients like onions, garlic, or cheese. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is a hassle-free way to create a satisfying and hearty meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Chicken breasts/thighs, cream of mushroom soup, milk/water |
| Optional Ingredients | Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder), onions, garlic, mushrooms, rice/pasta, cheese (for topping) |
| Cooking Method | Baking |
| Cooking Temperature | 375°F (190°C) |
| Cooking Time | 40-50 minutes (varies based on chicken thickness) |
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Serving Size | 4-6 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Key Steps | 1. Season chicken, 2. Mix soup with milk/water, 3. Pour over chicken, 4. Bake until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) |
| Popular Variations | Adding vegetables (green beans, carrots), using condensed soup vs. homemade mushroom sauce |
| Dietary Considerations | Can be made gluten-free (use GF soup), low-carb (omit rice/pasta) |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 2 months |
| Reheating Instructions | Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until hot |
| Nutritional Info (per serving) | ~300-400 calories (varies based on ingredients and portion size) |
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What You'll Learn
- Prepping the Chicken: Season, sear, and arrange chicken pieces in a baking dish
- Making the Soup Mixture: Combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, and spices
- Assembling the Dish: Pour soup mixture over chicken, ensuring even coverage
- Baking Instructions: Bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes until chicken is done
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with rice, veggies, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal
Prepping the Chicken: Season, sear, and arrange chicken pieces in a baking dish
The foundation of any great baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup lies in how you prepare the chicken itself. Skipping this crucial step can result in bland, dry meat that fails to complement the rich, savory sauce. Properly seasoning, searing, and arranging the chicken pieces ensures they retain moisture, develop flavor, and cook evenly.
Think of it as building a sturdy base for your culinary masterpiece.
Seasoning: The Flavor Foundation
Begin by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear, so this step is essential. A simple yet effective seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder works wonders. For a bolder flavor profile, consider adding paprika, thyme, or rosemary. Aim for a generous coating, ensuring every nook and cranny is seasoned. Let the chicken sit for 15-30 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to penetrate. This brief resting period also helps the chicken cook more evenly.
Remember, the seasoning is your canvas; feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste.
Searing: Locking in Juices and Flavor
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken pieces, skin-side down if using skin-on chicken. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. This crucial step not only adds a beautiful color and texture but also locks in the juices, preventing dry chicken. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. The goal is to achieve a deep golden crust, not to cook the chicken through.
Arranging: Setting the Stage for Even Cooking
Choose a baking dish large enough to accommodate the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in soggy chicken. If using bone-in, skin-on pieces, arrange them skin-side up to allow the fat to render and baste the meat during cooking. For boneless, skinless chicken, consider placing them slightly apart to allow air circulation and even browning.
By meticulously seasoning, searing, and arranging your chicken pieces, you're setting the stage for a delicious and successful baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup. This careful preparation ensures a dish that's not only flavorful but also tender and juicy, making every bite a satisfying experience.
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Making the Soup Mixture: Combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, and spices
The soup mixture is the heart of this baked chicken dish, transforming a simple protein into a rich, flavorful meal. Cream of mushroom soup serves as the base, providing a savory foundation, but it’s the addition of milk and spices that elevates it from canned convenience to culinary delight. This trio works in harmony: the soup’s umami depth is softened by milk’s creaminess, while spices add complexity and personality. Mastering this blend ensures your chicken emerges tender, saucy, and infused with layers of flavor.
Begin by selecting your cream of mushroom soup—condensed, not diluted. A standard 10.5-ounce can is ideal for a 4–6 serving dish. Pour it into a mixing bowl, then gradually whisk in ½ to 1 cup of milk, depending on desired consistency. Less milk yields a thicker sauce ideal for coating chicken, while more creates a lighter gravy perfect for spooning over rice or vegetables. The milk tempers the soup’s intensity, adding a subtle sweetness and smoother texture. For a dairy-free alternative, unsweetened almond or oat milk works surprisingly well, though coconut milk adds a faint tropical note that pairs beautifully with poultry.
Spices are where personalization takes center stage. Start with ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder to amplify the soup’s savory profile. A pinch of black pepper adds warmth, while ½ teaspoon of dried thyme or parsley introduces an herbal brightness. For a bolder twist, incorporate ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for subtle heat. Taste as you go—this mixture should be boldly seasoned, as it’ll mellow when baked with the chicken. Remember, spices bloom in heat, so err on the side of restraint if using fresh herbs, which can overpower when cooked for long periods.
Technique matters here. Whisk vigorously to break up any soup clumps and ensure a uniform consistency. If time allows, let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before using—this allows flavors to meld. For an extra velvety texture, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any spice granules or mushroom chunks. This step is optional but elevates the dish from rustic to refined.
Finally, consider the chicken’s role in this equation. The soup mixture not only seasons but also moistens the protein, so balance is key. Too thin, and it won’t cling to the chicken; too thick, and it risks drying out during baking. Aim for a pourable yet coatable consistency, akin to heavy cream. Pour it generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is bathed but not drowned. This mixture isn’t just a sauce—it’s the chicken’s culinary cocoon, transforming it from ordinary to extraordinary with every bite.
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Assembling the Dish: Pour soup mixture over chicken, ensuring even coverage
Pouring the cream of mushroom soup mixture over the chicken is a pivotal step in this recipe, transforming a simple dish into a rich, flavorful masterpiece. The key to success lies in achieving even coverage, ensuring every piece of chicken is enveloped in the creamy sauce. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps the chicken stay moist during baking. To begin, prepare your soup mixture by combining one can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup with an equal amount of water or milk. Stir until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. For added depth, consider incorporating a tablespoon of dried onions, a dash of garlic powder, or a sprinkle of thyme. Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble.
The technique you use to pour the soup mixture can significantly impact the final result. Start by placing your chicken pieces in a single layer in a baking dish, ensuring they don’t overlap. This allows the soup to coat each piece evenly. Slowly pour the mixture over the chicken, starting from one end of the dish and moving steadily to the other. Use a spoon to gently spread the soup if needed, ensuring it reaches all crevices and covers the chicken completely. For bone-in chicken, pay extra attention to the thicker parts, as these areas tend to cook more slowly and benefit from extra sauce. If using boneless chicken, tilt the dish slightly to encourage the soup to flow over the entire surface.
While pouring, keep in mind that the soup mixture acts as both a flavor enhancer and a moisture barrier. Too little soup can leave the chicken dry, while too much can dilute the flavors. Aim for a ratio of approximately 1 cup of soup mixture for every 2 pounds of chicken. For larger batches, increase the soup proportionally, ensuring consistency. If you’re using a casserole-style dish, consider adding a thin layer of soup at the bottom before placing the chicken to prevent sticking and create a saucy base. This step is particularly useful for dishes that will be baked for longer periods, typically 45–60 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
A common mistake to avoid is rushing the pouring process, which can lead to uneven distribution. Take your time, and if necessary, pause to adjust the chicken pieces for better alignment. For a polished presentation, use a basting brush to coat the chicken’s exposed surfaces with the soup mixture, ensuring a glossy finish. This step is especially useful if you plan to serve the dish to guests. Additionally, consider adding a topping of breadcrumbs or grated cheese after pouring the soup for a crispy contrast to the creamy sauce. This not only enhances texture but also adds visual appeal.
In conclusion, pouring the cream of mushroom soup mixture over the chicken is more than just a step—it’s an art that balances flavor, moisture, and presentation. By focusing on even coverage and using practical techniques, you can elevate this classic dish to new heights. Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious blend where the chicken and soup complement each other perfectly. With attention to detail and a bit of patience, you’ll achieve a baked chicken dish that’s both comforting and impressive.
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Baking Instructions: Bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes until chicken is done
Baking chicken with cream of mushroom soup at 375°F for 45-60 minutes is a reliable method to ensure the dish is cooked thoroughly while retaining moisture. This temperature strikes a balance between browning the exterior and allowing the heat to penetrate the thicker parts of the chicken, particularly if using bone-in pieces like thighs or drumsticks. For boneless breasts, the lower end of the time range (45 minutes) is sufficient to avoid overcooking, while bone-in cuts may require closer to 60 minutes. Always preheat the oven to 375°F before inserting the dish to maintain consistent cooking conditions.
The timing of 45-60 minutes is not arbitrary; it accounts for the additional moisture and density introduced by the cream of mushroom soup. Unlike dry-heat methods, this recipe relies on a sauce that insulates the chicken, slowing the cooking process slightly. To ensure doneness, use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the chicken to finish cooking.
This baking instruction is particularly forgiving for home cooks, as the cream of mushroom soup acts as a self-basting agent, reducing the risk of dry chicken. However, the thickness of the chicken pieces significantly impacts cooking time. For uniformity, arrange the chicken in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before baking, as starting with frozen meat can add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time and lead to uneven results.
A practical tip for enhancing flavor and texture is to lightly brown the chicken in a skillet before baking, especially if using skin-on pieces. This step adds a crispy contrast to the creamy sauce. Once the chicken is in the oven, avoid opening the door frequently, as this can lower the temperature and extend cooking time. Instead, rely on visual cues (light browning) and the internal temperature check to determine doneness, ensuring a perfectly cooked dish every time.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair with rice, veggies, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal
Baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, transforming it from a simple entrée into a hearty, balanced meal. The key lies in choosing accompaniments that complement the creamy, savory flavors of the chicken while adding texture and nutritional value. Rice, vegetables, and mashed potatoes are classic options, each bringing its own unique benefits to the table.
Rice, particularly long-grain white or brown rice, serves as a neutral base that absorbs the rich sauce from the chicken. For a more flavorful twist, consider cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water, or stir in a tablespoon of butter and a sprinkle of parsley for added richness. A standard serving of ½ cup cooked rice per person ensures balance without overwhelming the dish. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative that mimics the texture of traditional rice while keeping the focus on the chicken.
Vegetables add freshness, color, and crunch to the meal, counteracting the creaminess of the mushroom soup. Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans are excellent choices, as their earthy flavors harmonize with the mushroom sauce. For a pop of brightness, toss the vegetables with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil before serving. Aim for 1–1.5 cups of vegetables per person to meet daily intake recommendations while enhancing the dish’s visual appeal.
Mashed potatoes, with their creamy texture and comforting appeal, create a decadent pairing that elevates the meal into a cozy, indulgent experience. To prevent the dish from becoming too heavy, opt for a lighter version of mashed potatoes by using a mix of Yukon Gold and russet potatoes, adding a splash of milk and a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. A serving of ¾ cup mashed potatoes per person strikes the perfect balance, allowing the chicken to remain the star while providing a satisfying side.
Ultimately, the choice of side depends on the desired tone of the meal. Rice offers simplicity and versatility, vegetables bring lightness and nutrition, and mashed potatoes add a touch of luxury. By thoughtfully pairing baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup with one of these sides, you create a complete meal that satisfies both palate and nutritional needs, making it a go-to option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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Frequently asked questions
You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cream of mushroom soup, milk or water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional ingredients like rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the sauce is bubbly.
Yes, both work! If using condensed soup, mix it with milk or water according to the package instructions before pouring it over the chicken.
