Creamy Chicken Bake

Creamy Chicken Bake Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Creamy Chicken Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy and flavorful sauce that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

History

The origins of Creamy Chicken Bake are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States as a way to create a simple and satisfying meal using common pantry ingredients. This dish has since become a popular choice for home cooks looking for a quick and easy dinner option.

Ingredients

6 boneless chicken breasts
1 tsp seasoning salt
3 tbsp olive oil
16 oz (454 g) container sour cream
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 oz (28 g) package dry onion soup mix

How to prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Sprinkle chicken breasts with seasoning salt, then brown the chicken in olive oil in a large skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Place the chicken in a baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, chicken soup, and dry onion soup mix. Pour the mixture over the chicken and bake for 30 minutes.
Allow to cool and serve.

Variations

Add in cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.
Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a different taste.
Top with shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the chicken breasts before baking to add extra flavor to the dish.

- You can customize the seasoning salt to your liking by adding herbs and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.

- For a healthier version, you can use low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup.

- Feel free to add in additional vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Chicken Bake pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before baking helps to seal in the juices and add flavor to the dish.

- Baking the chicken in the creamy sauce helps to keep it moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt or mayonnaise instead of sour cream.

- Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamy Chicken Bake can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with foil and bake as directed when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Creamy Chicken Bake with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Creamy Chicken Bake with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Creamy Chicken Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Bake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Bake contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Bake contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Bake contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Creamy Chicken Bake is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and wheat (cream of chicken soup), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Creamy Chicken Bake is a protein-rich dish that is relatively high in fat and calories. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, but may not be suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions.

Summary

Creamy Chicken Bake is a simple and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With a creamy sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold close to my heart. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just come home from a long day of work at the local bakery. As I stepped inside my cozy kitchen, the smell of comfort and warmth greeted me, and I knew that my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, had paid me a visit.

Mrs. Jenkins was a wise and vibrant woman who had a knack for cooking up the most delicious dishes. She always had a new recipe up her sleeve, and I was always eager to learn from her. On that particular day, she had brought over a dish she called Creamy Chicken Bake. As she unveiled the steaming casserole dish, my mouth watered at the sight of the golden brown chicken nestled in a creamy sauce with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

She explained to me that this recipe was a family favorite, passed down from generation to generation. The secret, she said, was in the creamy sauce made from scratch with butter, flour, milk, and a hint of thyme and garlic. The chicken was seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that danced on my taste buds with each bite.

I watched intently as Mrs. Jenkins walked me through the process of making the Creamy Chicken Bake. She showed me how to sear the chicken until it was golden brown and cooked through. She then demonstrated how to make the velvety sauce, thickening it to the perfect consistency before pouring it over the chicken in the casserole dish.

As the dish baked in the oven, filling my kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, Mrs. Jenkins and I sat at the table, sipping on cups of hot tea and chatting about life. She shared stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her how to cook when she was just a young girl. I listened with rapt attention, taking in every word and savoring the warmth of her presence.

When the timer finally chimed, signaling that the Creamy Chicken Bake was ready, I eagerly pulled it out of the oven. The breadcrumbs had turned a crispy golden brown, and the sauce bubbled around the edges of the dish. Mrs. Jenkins and I served ourselves generous portions, the creamy sauce coating the tender chicken in a blanket of savory goodness.

As I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. The flavors were rich and comforting, the perfect dish to warm me up on a cold autumn day. Mrs. Jenkins smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride as I savored each mouthful.

From that day on, Creamy Chicken Bake became a beloved recipe in my repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and quiet nights at home. Each time I prepared it, I thought of Mrs. Jenkins and the special bond we shared over a shared love of cooking.

Years passed, and Mrs. Jenkins eventually moved away to be closer to her grandchildren. But the memory of that day in my kitchen, learning how to make Creamy Chicken Bake, stayed with me. It was a reminder of the joy of cooking, of the warmth and comfort that a homemade meal can bring.

And so, whenever I make Creamy Chicken Bake, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the impact she had on my life. I am grateful for her friendship, for her wisdom in the kitchen, and for the delicious recipe that she shared with me on that fateful autumn day. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions; it is about creating memories, forging connections, and sharing love through food. And for that, I am forever thankful.