When you’re juggling life’s chaos, and, let’s be honest, who isn’t these days (thank you, endless Zoom meetings and ever-growing to-do lists), there’s something magically comforting about a steaming bowl of cream of chicken soup. It’s like a soft, warm hug on those days when everything feels a bit too much.
Honestly, I stumbled upon this lifesaver recipe during a late-night Pinterest dive—probably procrastinating on something important, no doubt! It’s become my go-to for those evenings when I crave a hearty meal but have zero energy to put in the effort.
Imagine coming home to the aroma of rich, creamy chicken goodness wafting through the air—it’s like the universe saying, “Hey, I’ve got your back today. ” And, oh, did I mention it’s ridiculously easy?
Like, “throw everything in a pot and let it work its magic” easy. Trust me, even your picky eater neighbor would be impressed.
So, grab your spoon and let’s dive into this bowl of pure comfort.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 190C/375F. Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Pour a tablespoon of vegetable oil into a casserole dish or oven-proof pan and arrange the chicken pieces on top.
- Distribute the broccoli florets around the chicken in the dish.
- Sprinkle the chicken and broccoli with paprika and mixed herbs. Season with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of pepper.
- Pour the cream of chicken soup over the chicken and broccoli, and optionally add 50ml of chicken stock to thin the sauce.
- Evenly spread grated mozzarella cheese over the entire dish. Cover with kitchen foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes.
- Take the dish out of the oven and serve. For added color, optionally garnish with chopped parsley.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
- 150g broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon mixed herbs
- 400g cream of chicken soup
- 50g grated mozzarella cheese
- 10g chopped parsley (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1732 kcal | Carbohydrates: 144g | Protein: 164g | Fat: 68g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 0.16g | Cholesterol: 360mg | Sodium: 4204mg | Potassium: 7356mg | Fiber: 44g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 16108 IU | Vitamin C: 1496mg | Calcium: 1140mg | Iron: 20mg
FAQ
- What can I serve with this creamy baked chicken dish?
- This creamy chicken bake pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or any type of potatoes. You can add an extra serving of veggies for additional greens if desired.
- What alternatives can I use instead of canned cream of chicken soup?
- You can either create your own cream of chicken soup or substitute it with single cream and two minced garlic cloves. While this won’t replicate the exact taste of canned soup, it will still deliver a delightful creamy flavor.
- Is it possible to use chicken thighs in this recipe?
- Yes, you can certainly use boneless and skinless chicken thighs. For this recipe, using four to six chicken thighs is recommended.
- Can I prepare this dish using an air fryer?
- Absolutely, you can prepare this dish in an air fryer. Simply add all the ingredients to the air fryer base and cook at 160°C (320°F) for 20 minutes. If needed, cook for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and the cheese is golden.
- How should I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave for three minutes at 800W, stirring halfway through, or heat on the stovetop until hot and bubbling. You can also freeze the dish for up to three months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed when ready to enjoy.
Tips
- Keep Broccoli Pieces Larger: When preparing the broccoli, ensure the pieces are large enough to avoid them overcooking and becoming mushy during baking.
- Mix Spices Evenly: To achieve an even distribution of paprika and mixed herbs, consider blending them together in a small bowl before sprinkling over the chicken.
- Double for Meal Prep: If you’re planning to use this dish for meal prep, feel free to double the recipe quantities to enjoy it on another day.
- Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: For a juicier texture, substitute chicken breasts with boneless and skinless chicken thighs, using 4-6 thighs for this recipe.
Equipment
- Casserole dish
- Kitchen foil
