If you’ve ever found yourself searching for that simple yet satisfying comfort food, the Campbell Soup Cream of Mushroom Chicken recipe might be exactly what you need. It’s a classic, and for good reason. This dish isn’t just easy to make-it’s filled with layers of flavor, warm creaminess, and that cozy, home-cooked vibe that everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, preparing a dish for a family gathering, or craving something warm and hearty, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is a staple in many kitchens for a reason. It’s a base for so many comforting meals, and its rich, earthy flavor pairs beautifully with chicken. The best part is that it comes together with minimal effort, and the ingredients are often ones you already have on hand. And once you’ve tried this, you’ll see why it’s a favorite for so many cooks.
So, let’s break down how to make this cozy dish, starting with the ingredients and moving through every step of the process.
Campbell Soup Cream Of Mushroom Chicken Recipe
This recipe uses the iconic Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup to create a creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that is rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, all while being incredibly easy to prepare. The soup brings in savory mushroom flavor and the chicken remains juicy throughout the cooking process.
This dish can be served with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or even some freshly sautéed vegetables to complete the meal. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients Needed
Before jumping into the cooking process, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients. Thankfully, nothing too out of the ordinary here-just some pantry essentials that are easy to find. Here’s the shopping list:
-
4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- These form the base of the recipe. Boneless and skinless make the dish easier to prepare, and the chicken stays tender and juicy throughout the cooking process.
-
1 Can (10.5 Oz) Campbell’s Cream Of Mushroom Soup
- The star of the recipe. This canned soup creates the rich, creamy base that gives the dish its signature flavor and texture. You can also use the ’Healthy Request’ or ’50% Less Sodium’ versions if you prefer a lighter option.
-
1/2 Cup Of Chicken Broth
- This is to add additional liquid and enhance the overall flavor profile. You can adjust it based on how thick or thin you prefer the sauce.
-
1 Tablespoon Of Butter
- Adds richness to the sauce and helps with sautéing the chicken to give it that golden brown color.
-
1 Teaspoon Of Garlic Powder
- For a subtle yet delightful kick of flavor.
-
1 Teaspoon Of Onion Powder
- Adds depth to the dish with a mellow sweetness.
-
1/2 Teaspoon Of Dried Thyme Or Italian Seasoning
- This is to round out the flavor with an earthy, herby note. Thyme works perfectly with both chicken and mushroom flavors.
-
Salt And Pepper To Taste
- Don’t forget the salt and pepper. Seasoning is key to bringing all the flavors together.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the cooking. This recipe doesn’t require any advanced skills, just a little attention to detail and you’ll have yourself a comforting dish in no time.
-
Preheat The Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot before you start baking the chicken.
-
Sear The Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, just until they’re lightly browned. The goal here is to get a bit of a sear on the chicken, adding flavor to the outside while keeping the inside moist.
-
Prepare The Creamy Sauce
- In a separate bowl, combine the can of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup with the chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Stir until smooth. This will be your creamy, savory sauce.
-
Assemble In The Baking Dish
- Once the chicken is seared, transfer it to a baking dish. Pour the mushroom soup mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
-
Bake The Chicken
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken will stay moist, and the soup mixture will thicken into a beautiful sauce.
-
Finishing Touches
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to let the sauce thicken up a little more and get that rich golden hue.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of these ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in creating that perfect creamy, savory bite. Here’s why they’re essential:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are the best choices for this dish because they cook evenly, stay juicy, and absorb all the flavors of the sauce without becoming greasy or dry.
- Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a shortcut to an otherwise labor-intensive dish. The soup provides a quick, flavorful base that mimics homemade cream sauces and adds the signature mushroom flavor.
- Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the sauce, helping it become smoother and more flavorful without overpowering the dish. It keeps the sauce from becoming too thick while still enriching it.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme give a savory base without being too strong. These aromatics are often used in comfort food dishes because they elevate the taste without making things complicated.
Expert Tips
- For Juicy Chicken: Always sear the chicken first. It locks in moisture and adds an extra layer of flavor. Don’t rush this step.
- Make It Extra Creamy: If you love creamy dishes, you can add a little bit of heavy cream or sour cream to the mushroom soup mixture for an even richer texture.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For added flavor, you can swap out boneless, skinless chicken for bone-in pieces. Just note that the cooking time may be a bit longer, and you’ll need to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Add some frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce before baking. It’s an easy way to add flavor and nutrition to the dish without extra effort.
- Make It a One-Pan Meal: You can add cooked rice or potatoes to the baking dish alongside the chicken for a complete, one-pan meal.
Recipe Variations
Sometimes, you just need to switch things up a little. Here are a few variations to help you take this dish in different directions:
- Mushroom Lovers’ Dream: Add sautéed fresh mushrooms into the sauce mixture. This brings even more of that earthy, umami flavor to the dish and makes it extra mushroom-forward.
- Cheesy Chicken: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan on top of the chicken before baking for a melty, cheesy finish that adds another layer of richness.
- Chicken and Rice Casserole: Add a cup of uncooked rice directly to the baking dish along with the chicken and soup mixture. The rice will soak up the creamy sauce as it bakes, creating a comforting casserole.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup mixture. It’s a quick way to transform the dish into something with a bit of a punch.
Final Words
This Campbell Soup Cream of Mushroom Chicken recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something absolutely delicious. With just a few pantry staples and some chicken, you can create a satisfying meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though it takes less than an hour to make.
The creamy, savory sauce and tender chicken come together so effortlessly, and the versatility of the dish makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a family gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.