If you are craving a comforting, effortless dinner that comes together in no time, this Quick Cheesy Baked Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender chicken breasts wrapped in a luscious blanket of creamy soup, sparkled with melted mozzarella cheese and aromatic herbs, all baking up alongside vibrant, fresh broccoli. It’s a cozy, wholesome meal that combines convenience with flavors that feel lovingly homemade, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a fuss-free dish that still impresses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the delicious harmony of this dish. From the tender chicken to the creamy soup and the fresh broccoli, every element adds essential texture, taste, and color that makes this recipe truly shine.
- Vegetable oil: Just a tablespoon helps to keep the chicken juicy and prevents sticking to the pan while adding a hint of richness.
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced to ensure they cook evenly and absorb all the creamy flavors.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a pop of green and a satisfying crunch, balancing the creaminess with fresh produce.
- Paprika: Brings warmth and a subtle smoky depth to the dish without overpowering it.
- Mixed herbs: A fragrant blend that lifts the flavors and makes the dish aromatic.
- Cream of chicken soup: The star that creates the luscious sauce, enriching the chicken and broccoli with its silky texture.
- Grated mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, bright note and a lovely garnish that makes your dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Quick Cheesy Baked Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 190C (375F) and slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating thinner pieces that cook evenly and quickly. Lightly oil the bottom of your casserole dish with one tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking, then arrange your chicken pieces neatly in the dish. This simple step ensures each piece will stay tender and soak up all the incredible flavors to come.
Step 2: Add the Broccoli
Scatter fresh broccoli florets around the chicken in the dish. These little green gems offer a fresh texture contrast and brighten up the plate with their vibrant color. Plus, they soften beautifully while baking, making for a well-rounded meal all in one dish.
Step 3: Season with Spices
Sprinkle your paprika and mixed herbs evenly over the chicken and broccoli. Add a pinch of salt and a generous grind of fresh black pepper to enhance the flavors. These seasonings bring a gentle heat and fragrant depth that turns simple ingredients into something truly special.
Step 4: Pour on the Cream of Chicken Soup
Pour the entire can of cream of chicken soup over your chicken and broccoli, making sure everything is covered. For a looser sauce, you can whisk in 50ml of chicken stock before pouring it over. This creamy layer is what makes this recipe so comforting and easy to prepare.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese generously on top of everything, ensuring a molten, bubbly topping once baked. Cover the dish with kitchen foil to lock in moisture and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the cheese brown beautifully and get that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, herbal touch and an extra pop of color. Now your Quick Cheesy Baked Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe is ready to make everyone happy around the dinner table.
How to Serve Quick Cheesy Baked Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds a subtle freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy richness. You can also add a few red pepper flakes if you like just a little kick on top of that cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with simple sides like fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even a light green salad to keep the meal balanced. For an extra vegetable boost, roasted carrots or a crisp cucumber salad make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it straight from the casserole dish for a cozy family-style meal, or plate each portion with a drizzle of extra sauce from the pan for a restaurant-quality touch. Adding a wedge of lemon on the side can also add a lovely acidity that cuts through the richness, brightening every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Quick Cheesy Baked Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that creamy, cheesy texture without losing moisture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the oven at 180C (350F) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to keep the chicken moist and cheese melty. Alternatively, microwave on medium power adding a splash of chicken stock or water if it seems dry, then cover and heat incrementally to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice if you prefer darker meat; they stay juicy and add a bit more flavor, but keep in mind they may need a few extra minutes in the oven to cook through thoroughly.
Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you’re looking to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade version using butter, flour, chicken broth, and cream or milk to achieve a similar thick and creamy consistency. This adds a fresh touch and cuts down on preservatives.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Cauliflower, mushrooms, or sliced bell peppers all work well baked alongside the chicken and broccoli, adding extra flavor and nutrients.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and comforting by design. If you prefer a little heat, try adding some chili powder or cayenne pepper along with the paprika for a subtle kick.
What cheese works best if I don’t have mozzarella?
While mozzarella melts beautifully here, you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mild gouda to keep that gooey, cheesy topping that complements the creamy soup base.
Final Thoughts
If you are short on time but want a meal that feels homemade and indulgent, this Quick Cheesy Baked Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe is a true gem. It balances simplicity with impressive flavor, ensuring you get comfort food without hours in the kitchen. I can’t recommend giving this one a try enough — it’s a fast favorite for good reason!
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Quick Cheesy Baked Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Quick Cheesy Baked Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup is an easy and comforting meal combining tender baked chicken breasts with broccoli, savory cream of chicken soup, and a gooey mozzarella cheese topping. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe requires minimal prep and bakes in under an hour for a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthways
- 150g broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp mixed herbs
- 400g cream of chicken soup
- 50g grated mozzarella cheese
- 10g chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Coat the base of your casserole dish or oven-proof pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, then arrange the chicken pieces on top evenly.
- Add Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets evenly around the chicken pieces in the dish to ensure even cooking and integration of flavors.
- Season: Sprinkle the paprika and mixed herbs over the chicken and broccoli. Then, season everything lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add Cream of Chicken Soup: Pour the canned cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken and broccoli. For a slightly looser sauce, optionally add 50ml of chicken stock and stir gently.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the entire dish, covering the chicken, broccoli, and cream of chicken soup evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with kitchen foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. This step helps the cheese brown lightly and develop a deliciously bubbly crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired for added color and freshness. Serve hot as a hearty main dish.
Notes
- Chicken breast slices are halved lengthwise to ensure quicker and even baking.
- Adding chicken stock to the cream of chicken soup loosens the sauce for better coverage.
- Covering the dish during the initial baking helps retain moisture and cook the chicken evenly.
- Baking uncovered at the end allows the cheese topping to brown and get crispy.
- Parsley garnish adds a fresh contrast to the rich and cheesy baked dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
