Onion Soup Chicken Bake
Onion Soup Chicken Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts baked in a savory onion soup seasoning and creamy condensed soup mixture, topped with melty cheese and an optional crispy breadcrumb layer. This family-friendly, easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, offering big flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil, for greasing
Sauce
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup
Toppings
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella)
- Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for crispy topping
- Preheat and Prep Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking and help with even browning.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper. This ensures the onion soup seasoning adheres well and the chicken is flavorful.
- Mix Onion Soup and Cream Soup: In a bowl, combine the onion soup mix with the condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. Stir until smooth to create a creamy mixture that keeps the chicken moist.
- Assemble the Bake: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spread the soup mixture evenly over the chicken, covering each piece completely.
- Add Cheese and Optional Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the coated chicken. If desired, add a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for a crispy finish.
- Bake Until Perfect: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is bubbly and golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Use freshly shredded cheese to prevent clumping and ensure smooth melting.
- Monitor baking time near the end to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the breadcrumb topping for an herbal twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: onion soup chicken bake, baked chicken, comfort food, easy chicken dinner, family dinner, cheesy chicken bake