Chicken breast and cream of chicken soup is one of those classic comfort food combinations that never go out of style. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or whenever you’re looking for something quick, simple, and satisfying. This dish is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a family or just treating yourself to something hearty. The cream of chicken soup acts as a rich base, bringing a velvety texture to the chicken and turning what could be a basic dish into something truly comforting.
What makes this recipe stand out is its ability to balance flavor and convenience. With a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity-yet, with the right tweaks, it can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
Let’s break down the whole process so you can see just how easy it is to prepare this delightful dish, and explore some ways to elevate it even further.
Chicken Breast And Cream Of Chicken Soup Recipe
The idea of using chicken breast and cream of chicken soup as a base is both practical and tasty. The richness of the soup complements the lean, tender chicken breast perfectly. Whether you’re preparing a casserole, a simple skillet dish, or even a soup, this recipe can easily adapt to various cooking styles.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make a basic chicken breast and cream of chicken soup recipe:
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Chicken Breasts (boneless, Skinless)
- The lean protein that forms the core of the dish. You can use fresh or frozen chicken breast.
- If using frozen, make sure to thaw it before cooking for the best results.
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Cream Of Chicken Soup (1-2 Cans)
- This is the creamy, flavorful base for the dish. You can opt for regular, low-fat, or even organic versions depending on your preferences. Some recipes use a combination of cream of chicken and other canned soups (like cream of celery) for extra flavor.
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Chicken Broth (about 1 Cup)
- Helps loosen up the soup and makes the overall texture smoother. It also adds extra depth to the dish’s flavor.
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Seasonings (salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, And Thyme)
- These will elevate the flavor of the chicken breast and soup. You can adjust the seasoning to taste or use fresh herbs for an extra kick.
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Olive Oil Or Butter
- For cooking the chicken breast and adding flavor. Olive oil gives a more neutral flavor, while butter provides a rich, comforting taste.
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Optional Add-ins (vegetables, Cheese, Or Rice)
- Some people like to add veggies like carrots, peas, or spinach to increase nutrition and flavor. Adding cheese or pre-cooked rice can turn this dish into a full meal.
Cooking Instructions
Making this dish is incredibly straightforward, and the instructions don’t take long to follow. Here’s how you can prepare it:
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Prepare The Chicken
- Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme (or your preferred seasoning).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken (it should no longer be pink in the center). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Make The Soup Base
- In the same skillet (don’t clean it-leave all the delicious brown bits behind!), pour in the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth.
- Stir well to combine and break up any clumps of soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Combine Chicken And Soup
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them into the simmering soup mixture.
- Let everything cook together for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If you’re using optional add-ins like vegetables, you can toss them in now so they cook through.
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Serve
- Once everything is hot and the chicken has absorbed some of the creamy sauce, it’s ready to serve. You can garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese if you like.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a deeper look at the ingredients that make this recipe so appealing and how you can adjust them based on your needs:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and low in fat, chicken breasts provide a great source of protein. However, they can dry out if overcooked, so it’s important to monitor the cooking time carefully.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: The base of the recipe. This canned soup is rich and savory, and it thickens the entire dish. You can swap it with other cream soups (like mushroom) for variety, or even make a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth. You can substitute vegetable or even beef broth for a twist on the flavor.
- Seasonings: Simple but essential. The seasoning profile can change depending on what you enjoy. Try adding herbs like rosemary or basil for extra fragrance, or go with a spicy kick by tossing in some cayenne pepper.
Expert Tips
If you’re looking to take this recipe to the next level, here are some expert tips to help you make it even better:
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For more flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs. The bones will release more richness into the dish.
- Sear the Chicken First: Make sure to sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan before simmering them in the soup. This will lock in the moisture and keep the chicken juicy.
- Add a Dash of Cream: For an even richer, creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after the chicken is done. It gives the soup a velvety texture.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary can elevate the dish and make it taste much fresher and more vibrant than dried herbs.
- Top with Crumbled Crackers or Toasted Breadcrumbs: For some texture contrast, top your chicken dish with crumbled crackers, crispy breadcrumbs, or even fried onions for an extra layer of crunch.
Recipe Variations
While the basic version of this recipe is wonderful, here are some fun variations to consider:
- Chicken and Rice Casserole: Add cooked rice to the soup before baking. It’ll soak up all the creamy goodness and turn into a one-dish meal.
- Chicken and Vegetables: Add a medley of veggies like carrots, peas, or corn to the soup. You can even make it a chicken and vegetable stew.
- Cheesy Chicken: Mix in shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination) to the soup base for a cheesy, comforting version of the dish.
- Slow Cooker Version: You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply place the chicken breasts, soup, broth, and seasonings in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. The chicken will become super tender, and the flavors will meld perfectly.
Final Words
Chicken breast and cream of chicken soup is a versatile dish that is easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry and what you’re craving at the moment. It’s also the kind of recipe that can be adjusted to fit dietary preferences-whether you want to go gluten-free, dairy-free, or add more veggies to up the nutrition, this dish is easily adaptable.
The key to success with this dish is balance. It’s not about making the fanciest recipe but about making something that hits the spot, feels satisfying, and doesn’t take a ton of time or ingredients. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your meal rotation, whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a whole family.