Oven baked 3-ingredient chicken elegante is the kind of old-school casserole-style main dish that has earned its place on family holiday tables for good reason. With just chicken breasts, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream, it bakes into a rich, savory dish with a creamy sauce and beautifully browned edges. This is a practical recipe with a distinctly mid-century home-cooking feel, and its simplicity is exactly what makes it so dependable for weeknights, potlucks, and special gatherings alike.
Serve this chicken with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice to soak up the sauce. For balance, add a green vegetable such as steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp salad, and if you're putting together a holiday-style spread, dinner rolls and cranberry relish fit right in alongside it.
Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Chicken Elegante
Servings: 6
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an oval or 9x13-inch baking dish, then arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth and fully combined.
3. Spoon the sauce evenly over the chicken, covering the tops well so the meat stays moist as it bakes.
4. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. If the top needs more color, bake a few minutes longer until lightly golden.
5. Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly. Spoon the sauce over each piece when plating.
Variations & Tips
Add seasoning: Even though the classic version is famously minimal, a light sprinkle of black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder can add a little extra depth without changing the character of the dish.
Use chicken cutlets: If your chicken breasts are very large, slice them in half horizontally into thinner cutlets. They will cook more evenly and may finish a bit faster, so start checking for doneness early.
Try a different soup: Cream of chicken or cream of celery can be substituted for the mushroom soup if that's what you have on hand. The finished dish will still be creamy, but each option gives the sauce a slightly different flavor.
Make it ahead: You can assemble the dish several hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate it until baking time. If it goes into the oven cold, add a few extra minutes to the total bake time.
Check doneness carefully: Chicken breasts are best when cooked just until they reach 165°F in the thickest part. Overbaking can make them dry, even with the creamy sauce protecting the surface.