Chicken 'N Cheese
A comforting baked chicken dish featuring tender breasts topped with creamy soup, melted cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Cover with soup diluted with wine or water.
- Generously top with shredded cheese.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the cheese.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs before baking. If you don't have wine, water or chicken broth can be used as a substitute for diluting the soup. Mixing different types of cheese, like Cheddar and Monterey Jack, can enhance creaminess and depth of flavor. For a crunchier topping, use panko bread crumbs instead of regular ones.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken 'N Cheese dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, browse more American recipes like Country Market Bean Soup as a side dish for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken 'N Cheese contains roughly 416 calories, with 26g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 981mg per serving (43% 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 it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If using frozen, increase the baking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you need a substitute for cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version with a roux and chicken broth combined with cream. This will maintain the dish's creamy texture while accommodating dietary preferences.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, extend the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it is heated through before serving.
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).