Baked Smothered Chicken With Cream Of Mushroom Soup

9 min read Oct 18, 2024

Baked smothered chicken with cream of mushroom soup is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. It's a one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights, and it's a great way to use up leftover chicken. The chicken is cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce that is made with cream of mushroom soup, and the dish is typically served over rice or mashed potatoes.

Choosing Your Chicken

The first step in making a delicious baked smothered chicken with cream of mushroom soup is choosing the right chicken. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or even drumsticks.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean and healthy option. They are also relatively quick to cook. However, they can be a bit dry if overcooked. When using chicken breasts, it is important to ensure they are pounded to an even thickness. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming dry.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a more flavorful and forgiving option. They are also more moist than chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs can be a bit tougher, and they require longer cooking times.

Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are a classic choice for baked smothered chicken. They are flavorful and juicy, and they provide a satisfyingly crispy skin. However, drumsticks take the longest to cook and require careful monitoring to avoid burning.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

The next important ingredient is the cream of mushroom soup. This is the base of the sauce, so it's important to choose a good quality soup. You can use homemade cream of mushroom soup if you prefer, or you can use canned soup.

Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup

Homemade cream of mushroom soup is a great option if you have time to make it. It will have a richer flavor and a smoother texture than canned soup. You can find recipes for homemade cream of mushroom soup online or in cookbooks.

Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup

Canned cream of mushroom soup is a convenient option, and it is readily available at most grocery stores. When choosing canned soup, look for a brand that is low in sodium and contains no added sugar.

Other Ingredients

In addition to chicken and cream of mushroom soup, you will need a few other ingredients for your baked smothered chicken. These include:

Butter: Butter is used to add richness and flavor to the sauce.
Onion: Onions add sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the sauce.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme are all common seasonings used in baked smothered chicken.
Sour cream: Sour cream is sometimes added to the sauce to make it richer and creamier.
Milk or broth: Milk or broth is sometimes added to the sauce to thin it out.

Cooking the Chicken

Once you have chosen your chicken and gathered your ingredients, you can begin cooking the dish. Here are the steps:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the onions and cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it is browned on all sides.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the chicken.
Stir in the sour cream, if desired.
Add 1/2 cup of milk or broth, if needed.
Transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve the chicken over rice or mashed potatoes.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for making the best baked smothered chicken with cream of mushroom soup:

Use a good quality cream of mushroom soup. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
Don't overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
Add a little bit of sugar to the sauce. This will help to balance out the acidity of the cream of mushroom soup.
Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes. Rice, mashed potatoes, or green beans are all good options.
If you want to make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms.

Variations

There are many variations on the basic baked smothered chicken with cream of mushroom soup recipe. You can add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or carrots. You can also add cheese to the sauce, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan.