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Baked chicken with cream of chicken soup is a classic dish that is both delicious and easy to make. It’s a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
This dish is made with simple ingredients, including chicken, cream of chicken soup, and a few seasonings. The chicken is baked in the soup until it is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. The result is a flavorful and moist chicken dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Baked Chicken Dish Overview
Baked chicken with cream of chicken soup is a classic dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce. It is a popular choice for home cooks and restaurant patrons alike due to its ease of preparation and delicious taste.
The dish typically involves marinating chicken in a mixture of spices and herbs, then baking it in the oven until cooked through. The cream of chicken soup is then added to the pan and heated until it forms a rich, creamy sauce.
The result is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Popularity and Appeal
There are several reasons for the popularity and appeal of baked chicken with cream of chicken soup. First, it is a relatively simple dish to prepare. The ingredients are readily available, and the cooking process is straightforward. Second, the dish is versatile.
It can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, pasta, or vegetables. Third, the dish is affordable. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly meal option.
Ingredients and Preparation
This succulent dish combines the savory flavors of chicken and cream of chicken soup, creating a delightful meal. Let’s delve into the ingredients and preparation methods to guide you through the culinary process.
Ingredients, Baked chicken with cream of chicken soup
- Whole chicken (3-4 pounds): Rinse and pat dry before marinating.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.75 ounces): This imparts a creamy and flavorful base.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Enhances the chicken’s flavor and prevents sticking.
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika): Add depth and savoriness.
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano): Infuse aromatic notes.
- Lemon (1): Zest and juice add brightness and acidity.
Preparation
- Marinating:Combine the seasonings, herbs, lemon zest, and olive oil in a bowl. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it penetrates the crevices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to permeate.
- Seasoning:Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in a roasting pan and season the inside cavity with salt and pepper.
- Pouring the Soup:Pour the cream of chicken soup over the chicken, ensuring it covers the bottom of the pan. This creates a flavorful broth that will baste the chicken during baking.
- Baking:Bake the chicken for 1 hour and 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist.
- Resting:Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Cream of Chicken Soup Options
When selecting cream of chicken soup for this dish, you have several options to choose from, each offering distinct flavors and textures. Here’s a comparison to help you make an informed decision:
- Canned Cream of Chicken Soup:
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup:
- Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup:
Canned cream of chicken soup is a convenient and widely available option. It typically has a thick, creamy texture and a savory, slightly salty flavor. Canned soup is a quick and easy choice, but it may contain higher levels of sodium and preservatives.
Baked chicken with cream of chicken soup is a classic dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a quick and easy alternative, try air fry fish sticks . They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and they’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Once you’ve tried air fry fish sticks, you’ll never go back to baked chicken with cream of chicken soup again!
Condensed cream of chicken soup is similar to canned soup, but it has a thicker consistency. It requires dilution with milk or water before use. Condensed soup offers a more intense flavor and can be a good option if you want to control the sodium content by adjusting the dilution ratio.
Homemade cream of chicken soup allows you to customize the flavor and ingredients. It typically involves sautéing vegetables, adding chicken broth, and simmering with cooked chicken. Homemade soup provides a fresher, more natural flavor and can be adjusted to your dietary preferences.
Making Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
To make homemade cream of chicken soup, follow these steps:
- In a large pot, sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks in 2 tablespoons of butter until softened.
- Add 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of cooked and shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
- Puree the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender until smooth.
- Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Use the homemade cream of chicken soup as directed in the recipe.
Flavor Enhancements
Baked chicken with cream of chicken soup is a classic dish that can be easily enhanced with a variety of additional ingredients.
Herbs and spices can add depth and complexity to the flavor of the chicken. Some popular choices include thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, paprika, and garlic powder.
Vegetables
Vegetables can add moisture and nutrients to the dish. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms.
Sauces
Sauces can add a variety of flavors to the chicken. Some popular choices include barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and teriyaki sauce.
To incorporate these enhancements into the recipe, simply add them to the baking dish along with the chicken and soup. You can also experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create your own unique flavor profile.
Side Dish Pairings: Baked Chicken With Cream Of Chicken Soup
Baked chicken with cream of chicken soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its savory and creamy flavor profile. Consider the following options to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
To provide a comprehensive overview, we’ve compiled a table comparing popular side dishes based on their flavors, textures, and preparation times. This will help you make informed choices that cater to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Side Dish Comparison Table
The following table provides a comparison of different side dishes that pair well with baked chicken with cream of chicken soup:
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Texture | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy, buttery | Soft, smooth | 20-30 minutes |
| Rice Pilaf | Savory, nutty | Fluffy, tender | 25-35 minutes |
| Roasted Vegetables | Sweet, caramelized | Tender, slightly crispy | 30-40 minutes |
| Green Bean Casserole | Creamy, cheesy | Tender, crunchy | 35-45 minutes |
| Cornbread | Buttery, sweet | Moist, crumbly | 20-25 minutes |
When choosing side dishes, consider the overall balance of the meal. Baked chicken with cream of chicken soup is a hearty and flavorful dish, so it’s best to pair it with lighter, fresher side dishes to avoid overwhelming the palate.
A combination of textures and flavors will create a more enjoyable and satisfying dining experience.
Ending Remarks
Baked chicken with cream of chicken soup is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. It’s also a great dish to make ahead of time and reheat for later. So next time you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal, give baked chicken with cream of chicken soup a try.
