Savory Creamy Smothered Chicken
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Savory Creamy Smothered Chicken recipe, a perfect comfort food that combines tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich mushroom sauce and topped with crunchy onion rings. This dish is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The creamy texture and savory flavors will have your family coming back for seconds. Serve it alongside rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce, and enjoy a meal that brings everyone together.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 (cleaned and patted dry)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can (ready to use)
sour cream
8 ounces (room temperature)
French fried onion rings
1 (4 ounce) can (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a baking dish, arrange the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a single layer.
3
Evenly sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken breasts to season them.
4
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth. Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken, ensuring that the chicken is well coated.
5
Evenly distribute the French fried onion rings on top of the creamy mixture for added crunch.
6
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the onions are golden brown.
7
Once done, remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, and then serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Creamy Smothered Chicken?
It is a comfort food dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crunchy French fried onions.
How many chicken breasts are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the chicken need to bake in total?
The total baking time is 60 minutes: 45 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.
What provides the crunch in this dish?
A 4-ounce can of French fried onion rings is used as a topping to provide a savory crunch.
What ingredients are in the sauce?
The sauce is made by combining one 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup and 8 ounces of sour cream.
How should I season the chicken?
Season the chicken breasts evenly with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, plus salt and black pepper to taste.
Do I need to cover the baking dish?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes of baking to keep the chicken moist.
What sides go well with Smothered Chicken?
It is best served alongside rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious mushroom sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though you should ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
Is it necessary to pat the chicken dry?
Yes, cleaning and patting the chicken dry helps the seasonings stick better to the meat.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream if you prefer a different tang or slightly lower fat content.
What size can of mushroom soup is needed?
You will need one 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
Should the sour cream be cold or room temperature?
Using room temperature sour cream helps it blend more smoothly with the soup.
Can I use a different type of cream soup?
While mushroom soup is traditional for this recipe, cream of chicken or cream of celery can also be used.
How do I prevent the onions from burning?
Covering the dish with foil for most of the baking time protects the onions; they only need 15 minutes uncovered to brown.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the dish ahead of time, but wait to add the onions until just before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with simple assembly steps and minimal prep work.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this dish be frozen?
It can be frozen, though the texture of the creamy sauce and the crunch of the onions may change slightly upon thawing.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheating in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit will help restore some of the crunch to the onion topping.
Do I need to brown the chicken in a pan first?
No, the chicken cooks completely in the oven, making this a convenient one-dish baking recipe.
Can I add fresh mushrooms to the sauce?
Absolutely, adding sliced fresh mushrooms can enhance the flavor and texture of the sauce.
What if I don't have French fried onions?
You can substitute with buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, though the flavor profile will change.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it contains gluten in the soup and fried onions. Use gluten-free certified versions of these products to make it gluten-free.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, sprinkling some shredded cheddar or parmesan under the onion layer can add extra richness.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is safe to eat when it is no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is the sauce very thick?
The combination of condensed soup and sour cream creates a thick, gravy-like consistency that smothers the chicken.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can use low-fat sour cream and 'healthy request' mushroom soup, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.