Berry Baked Chicken Breasts
A savory baked chicken dish featuring berries, cream soup, crunchy noodles, and cashews, perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal with a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 3/4 envelope Lipton instant onion soup mix ⓘ
- 3/4 small bottle Kraft Catalina salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 can whole cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional) ⓘ
- 5 oz can Chinese noodles ⓘ
- diced celery ⓘ
- diced onions ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken or turkey ⓘ
- 3 1/2 oz can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of celery or cream of chicken soup ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, place the chicken breasts.
- Mix the onion soup mix, Catalina salad dressing, cranberry sauce, white wine (if using), and mushroom slices.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of celery or chicken soup with milk.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and sauce.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, basting occasionally.
- During the last 10 minutes, sprinkle Chinese noodles and cashews on top.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the Catalina dressing for a few hours before baking. If you don't have white wine, chicken broth can be a great substitute. You can also use fresh mushrooms instead of canned for a fresher taste. If you prefer a crunchier topping, add the noodles earlier in the baking process.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with Executive Potatoes for a comforting meal. Serve alongside a vibrant Hot And Sour Spinach Salad to balance the richness of the chicken. For a complete dinner, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a light, fresh salad to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover with foil, and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. The chicken can also be reheated in the microwave, but the oven helps retain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Berry Baked Chicken Breasts contains roughly 517 calories, with 28g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 558mg per serving (24% 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 be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even baking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen chicken can take longer to cook through.
What can I do if I don't have cranberry sauce?
If cranberry sauce isn't available, a mixture of apple sauce and a bit of vinegar can mimic the sweet and tangy flavor. Alternatively, you can use a fruit chutney or even a sweet barbecue sauce for a different twist.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra flavor and moisture. You can also replace the cream of celery or chicken soup with a homemade version using low-fat ingredients or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option.
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).