Campbell Soup Chicken Bake Recipe

Ah, the Campbell Soup Chicken Bake! If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this is it. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll come back to time and time again, and for good reason. It’s a true comfort food classic-packed with flavor, rich in texture, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy weeknight meal, or you simply need something reliable that hits all the right notes, the Campbell Soup Chicken Bake will never disappoint.

At its core, this dish blends tender chicken with creamy, savory goodness. And let’s not forget the magic of Campbell’s soup-it’s one of those pantry staples that has been used for decades in countless kitchens, making meals easier and more delicious. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a rich, flavorful bake that combines convenience with delicious home-cooked charm.

So, ready to dive into this recipe and make your own comforting chicken bake? Let’s break it down.

Campbell Soup Chicken Bake Recipe

This dish isn’t just about the flavor-it’s about simplicity, too. Here’s a step-by-step guide that’ll help you create a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (maybe even thirds). It’s everything you want in a one-pan dish: easy, fast, and satisfying.

Ingredients Needed

To create this flavorful bake, you won’t need a ton of ingredients. In fact, you likely already have most of these in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat.
• Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (the 10.5 oz variety). This soup acts as the creamy base that ties everything together.
• Sour cream: 1/2 cup. The tanginess of the sour cream adds a nice balance to the richness of the soup.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup. Cheddar cheese brings a bold, savory flavor and melty goodness.
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon. A little goes a long way in bringing out the depth of flavor.
• Onion powder: 1 teaspoon. This enhances the savory aspect and pairs wonderfully with the garlic powder.
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup. For a crispy topping that gives a nice contrast to the creamy interior.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. This is for sautéing and helping the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. You can’t go wrong with seasoning to perfection!

Cooking Instructions

Alright, let’s get this dish in the oven! The steps are simple and straightforward:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it nice and hot to ensure that your chicken bakes evenly and quickly.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish (about 9×13). Season them generously with salt and pepper. You don’t need to do anything fancy here-just make sure the chicken is seasoned well on both sides.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth. This mixture will be the base that keeps the chicken moist and gives it that rich flavor.
4. Top the Chicken: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is nicely covered.
5. Prepare the Topping: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir them around until they’re golden brown. Once they’re done, sprinkle them generously over the top of the chicken and sauce.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to crisp up.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect chicken bake. Let’s take a deeper dive into each one:

• Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the star of the dish. It not only brings an unbeatable creaminess to the table but also adds a subtle, rich flavor. It’s the foundation for the sauce, giving it that homestyle, comforting taste we all crave.
• Sour Cream: You might be wondering why sour cream? It balances the richness of the soup and adds a subtle tang that brightens the entire dish. Plus, it helps thicken the sauce without making it too heavy.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The sharp, tangy flavor of cheddar is a perfect match for the creamy base. It melts beautifully over the chicken, adding both flavor and texture.
• Breadcrumbs: The crispy topping is the final touch that elevates this bake. It contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and adds a satisfying crunch that brings it all together.
• Butter: It’s not just for greasing the pan! The butter helps toast the breadcrumbs to perfection, giving them that golden brown, crispy texture we all love.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your Campbell Soup Chicken Bake turns out as delicious as possible:

• Use Bone-In Chicken: While boneless, skinless breasts are commonly used for ease, you can also use bone-in chicken for even more flavor. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time as bone-in pieces will take longer.
• Mix up the Soup: While the Cream of Chicken soup is traditional, you could try using Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To avoid dry chicken, make sure the chicken is cooked just right. A meat thermometer is your best friend here-aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, toss in some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce before pouring it over the chicken.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap out ingredients to make it your own or to accommodate dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or swap them out for crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also use a gluten-free version of the Campbell’s soup if needed.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or even grated parmesan cheese to create a crunchy topping.
• Add Vegetables: You can easily throw in some veggies to make the dish even heartier. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even broccoli can be added directly into the bake or served alongside it.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a crowd-pleaser, try swapping it out for a different cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for extra flavor complexity.
• Make It a Casserole: You can mix in some cooked rice, pasta, or even potatoes to transform this into a complete one-dish casserole.

Final Words

This Campbell Soup Chicken Bake is more than just a recipe-it’s a time-saving, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy nights and cozy gatherings alike. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in taste. The creamy soup, tender chicken, and crispy topping combine to create a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

It’s a dish you can easily customize, whether you’re adding vegetables, swapping out the soup flavor, or trying a different cheese. The options are endless, and each variation brings something special to the table.