Baked Chicken Breast
Juicy baked chicken breasts topped with Swiss cheese and a creamy, savory sauce. Crispy bread crumbs and a buttery finish make this dish comforting and family-friendly, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Simple ingredients come together for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a baking pan and top each with a slice of Swiss cheese.
- Mix the cream of chicken soup with water until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle Italian bread crumbs evenly over the top of the chicken and cheese.
- Melt butter and drizzle it over the bread crumbs.
- Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder or Italian seasoning before adding the cheese. If you don't have Swiss cheese, provolone or mozzarella can be good substitutes. To make this dish even creamier, you can mix in some sour cream with the cream of chicken soup. This recipe is a comforting choice among American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked chicken breast alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or rice make excellent sides to soak up the creamy sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Honey Glazed Chicken for a delightful dinner spread. Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This helps retain moisture and prevents the breadcrumbs from becoming too soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken Breast contains roughly 438 calories, with 28g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (69% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 538mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they will need to be thawed before baking. It's best to leave them in the refrigerator overnight to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version with chicken broth, heavy cream, and a bit of flour for thickening. This will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, consider using skinless chicken breasts and reducing the amount of cheese or using low-fat cheese. You can also substitute whole wheat bread crumbs for Italian bread crumbs to add more fiber. Pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables enhances the nutritional value.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).