Introduction
This creamy Italian chicken dish is a delightful and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs well with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 (1 oz) packet dry Italian dressing mix
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Prep Time
Prep time for this recipe is approximately 10 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is 25-30 minutes, making the total time for this recipe around 40 minutes. This recipe yields 4 servings.
Enjoy this creamy Italian chicken dish as a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the baking dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Place the chicken in the dish
Arrange 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Mix the sauce ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 packet of dry Italian dressing mix, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Spread sauce over the chicken
Evenly spread the cream mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 6: Add Parmesan cheese
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken and sauce mixture for added flavor.
Step 7: Bake the chicken
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 8: Let the chicken rest
Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Notes
Tip 1: Checking doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the appropriate internal temperature to ensure it is safe to eat.
Tip 2: Serving suggestions
This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tip 3: Storage
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook techniques
Preheating
Preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. This is essential for achieving the correct texture and doneness of the chicken.
Greasing the Baking Dish
Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking. This helps maintain the quality of the dish and makes cleanup easier.
Combining Ingredients
Mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Italian dressing mix, and black pepper in a bowl. Ensuring an even combination will provide a consistent flavor throughout the dish.
Spreading the Mixture
Spread the combined mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. This ensures each piece of chicken is evenly coated with sauce.
Adding Cheese
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the dish before baking. This adds flavor and creates a delicious cheesy crust.
Baking
Bake uncovered until the chicken is fully cooked, which should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This method allows the top to brown while keeping the chicken moist.
Resting
Let the dish rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken, enhancing its tenderness.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It is recommended to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and possibly increase the baking time.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can use a different cream soup, like cream of chicken or cream of celery, for a different flavor profile.
Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?
You can use low-fat versions of sour cream and cream of mushroom soup to reduce the overall fat content.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like broccoli or green beans to the baking dish for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to increase the baking time if necessary.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This creamy and flavorful chicken dish is a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting meal. The combination of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Italian dressing mix creates a rich sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. With minimal preparation and straightforward cooking instructions, this recipe is not only delicious but also convenient for busy weeknight dinners.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff
Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a creamy vegetarian option.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Add cooked rice to the baking dish before placing the chicken on top for a complete meal in one dish.
Italian Chicken Bake
Include sliced bell peppers and onions in the baking dish for added color and flavor.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Before baking, coat the chicken breasts with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese for a crispy texture.
One-Pot Chicken Pasta
Combine cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture for a hearty one-pot meal, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Stir in blanched broccoli florets for a nutritious addition to the dish, providing extra texture and flavor.
