Herb Baked Chicken
Herb Baked Chicken offers tender, flavorful chicken breasts infused with fragrant thyme and pepper, baked to perfection in a creamy mushroom sauce. This comforting dish is ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, combining simple ingredients for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 2-quart oblong baking dish with vegetable cooking spray; arrange chicken breasts, bone side down, in the dish.
- Sprinkle dried, crushed thyme leaves and pepper evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup and water over the chicken.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the cream of mushroom soup for a few hours before baking. If you don't have thyme, oregano or Italian seasoning can be great substitutes. For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the soup mixture. This recipe is simple yet delicious, similar to other American recipes like Easy Chicken-Rice Supper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the herb baked chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with rice or mashed potatoes, allowing you to soak up the creamy sauce. This dish can also complement other recipes like Cheese Chowder or Oven Chicken And Gravy for a hearty dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Baked Chicken contains roughly 187 calories, with 22g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. At about 187 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 should be fully thawed before baking to ensure even cooking. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if using thicker pieces of chicken.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, broth, and cream. This will alter the flavor slightly but will still work well in the recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the chicken should be tender and no longer pink in the center.
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).