Easy Baked Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful, and easy dinner idea, you can’t go wrong with baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup. This dish combines juicy chicken with a rich, savory mushroom sauce that bakes into perfection in the oven. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but comforting enough to serve on Sunday evenings when you want a cozy, home-cooked meal.
This recipe has been a family favorite for generations because it’s easy, requires minimal ingredients, and is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just want a warm plate of comfort food after a long day, baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup hits the spot every time.
In this article, we’ll go step by step through the ingredients, cooking instructions, tips, substitutions, and even storage methods so you can master this recipe like a pro.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Baked Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup
To make the best baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup, you don’t need a long grocery list. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream (optional for creamier sauce)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (for extra mushroom flavor)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (for a cheesy topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (to sauté onions and garlic)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles
- Steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Here’s how to prepare this dish step by step:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and ensures the chicken doesn’t steam in the oven. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended)
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened (about 3 minutes). If you’re using fresh mushrooms, sauté them here too.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and sour cream until smooth. Stir in the sautéed onions, garlic, and mushrooms if you used them.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream of mushroom mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well covered.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you’d like a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve warm over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles with your favorite vegetables on the side.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Servings: 4 generous portions
This makes it a perfect weeknight dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Tips for the Best Baked Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Cooking this recipe is straightforward, but these tips will help you make it absolutely delicious every time:
- Use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part. Overcooking will dry it out.
- Don’t skip the resting step. Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving helps lock in the juices.
- Add more flavor with seasoning. Paprika, thyme, or Italian seasoning all work beautifully with this dish.
- Sear for extra flavor. If you have time, quickly sear the chicken breasts in a skillet before baking. This adds color and flavor.
- Make it creamier. Adding sour cream or heavy cream to the mushroom soup gives the sauce a richer texture.
- Go low-sodium. If you’re watching salt, choose a low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth.
- Try thighs instead of breasts. Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup is how versatile it is. Here are some easy substitutions and variations:
- Chicken: Use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts for more flavor.
- Soup Base: Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery if that’s what you have on hand.
- Sour Cream: Replace with Greek yogurt for a tangy but lighter version.
- Cheese: Use Parmesan, Swiss, or Gruyère for a more gourmet touch.
- Vegetables: Add frozen peas, green beans, or spinach to the sauce for a complete one-pan meal.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or hot sauce for a little heat.
How to Serve Baked Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides that soak up the creamy mushroom sauce. Try these options:
- Rice: White, brown, or wild rice all work well.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes and mushroom sauce are a classic combo.
- Egg Noodles: A hearty and comforting pairing.
- Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, carrots, or roasted green beans.
- Bread: A warm dinner roll or crusty baguette to mop up the sauce.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
One of the best things about baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup is that it makes excellent leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Refrigeration:
Allow the chicken to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing:
You can freeze the baked chicken in its sauce for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered, until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, but be careful not to dry out the chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are just a few reasons why baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation:
- Minimal ingredients: You likely already have most of them in your pantry.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the creamy sauce.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with different proteins, vegetables, or seasonings.
- Make-ahead friendly: Great for meal prepping or storing leftovers.
- Comforting: The creamy mushroom sauce makes this dish feel cozy and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Yes! Place the chicken and sauce in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
2. Can I make baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the dish earlier in the day, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
3. What if I don’t like mushrooms?
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a similar creamy texture without the mushroom flavor.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most canned cream of mushroom soups contain gluten, but you can use a gluten-free version or make a homemade sauce with gluten-free flour.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two separate ones. Cooking time may increase slightly if the dish is very full.
Conclusion
Baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup is the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly versatile. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours to make.
Whether you’re serving it over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, this recipe always delivers on flavor and comfort. The creamy mushroom sauce makes the chicken tender, juicy, and packed with savory goodness. Plus, the flexibility of the recipe means you can easily adjust it based on what you have in your pantry.
So the next time you’re craving something warm, filling, and satisfying, give this baked chicken with cream of mushroom soup a try. It’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen that you’ll turn to again and again.
