Cream Of Chicken Soup Chicken Breasts
This creamy and comforting Cream Of Chicken Soup Chicken Breasts recipe is the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. From tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious, rich sauce, this dish brings warmth and ease to your table. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers both flavor and simplicity. You’ll love how the creamy soup base infuses the chicken with moisture and depth.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with the satisfying creaminess of the soup, creating a hearty dish with minimal effort. It’s adaptable, easy to prepare, and ideal for busy evenings. Plus, you can pair it with simple sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (substitute with thighs if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons butter (can use olive oil or coconut oil)
- 1 small onion, diced (shallots work well too)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (gluten-free or dairy-free options available)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (use coconut cream for dairy-free)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (fresh thyme also works)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on each side, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and dried thyme. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Take the chicken breasts out again, and stir the heavy cream into the sauce. Add shredded cheddar cheese if using, stirring until melted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the chicken breasts topped with the creamy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with Easy Weeknight Dinners and complements sides such as mashed potatoes or rice.
Expert Tips
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result if you prefer dark meat.
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F.
- Make the sauce ahead and store it separately to reheat with fresh chicken for quick assembly.
- Scaling the recipe is easy; just multiply ingredients by the number of servings needed.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken breasts and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Variations
- Vegan: Substitute chicken breasts with firm tofu or seitan and use a plant-based cream of mushroom or chicken soup alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream and cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.
- Refined-Sugar-Free: This recipe is naturally free from refined sugars; just double-check canned soup ingredients.
FAQ
- Can I make Cream Of Chicken Soup Chicken Breasts in a slow cooker?
- Yes, layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
- Is cream of chicken soup necessary for this recipe?
- The cream of chicken soup adds richness and thickens the sauce, but you can make a homemade béchamel or cream sauce as a substitute.
- How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
- Add the heavy cream off heat and stir gently. Avoid boiling after adding cream to maintain smooth texture.
- What sides go best with Cream Of Chicken Soup Chicken Breasts?
- Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread complement the creamy flavors well.
- How long does Cream Of Chicken Soup Chicken Breasts take to cook?
- The recipe takes about 40 minutes: prep, cook chicken, and simmer the sauce.
Call to Action
Have you tried this Cream Of Chicken Soup Chicken Breasts recipe? Leave a comment below, rate it if you enjoyed it, and don’t forget to save it for your next dinner plan. Share with friends who love easy, creamy meals! For more comforting recipes, check out our Soups and Easy Weeknight Dinners sections. Also, visit Food Network for more inspiration.
