There is something mighty comforting about a supper that asks almost nothing of you but still comes out of the oven smelling like you worked half the afternoon. This 4-ingredient oven chicken is the kind of practical Midwestern recipe that belongs in every busy household: plain boneless skinless chicken breasts, a trusty 9x13 pan, and a few pantry staples turning into a tender, flavorful main dish with hardly any fuss. It is just the sort of supper a home cook keeps in her back pocket for school nights, church nights, and those evenings when everybody is hungry right now.
Serve this chicken with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or simple roasted vegetables to catch all those savory pan juices. A green bean side dish, corn, or a crisp salad makes it feel complete, and if you want to stretch the meal, warm dinner rolls or sliced bread on the table never go amiss.
4-Ingredient Oven Chicken
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/2 cup sour cream
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish if needed.
2. Arrange the raw boneless skinless chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the dry Italian dressing mix, condensed cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth.
4. Spoon the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, spreading it to cover the tops well.
5. Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part and the sauce is hot and bubbling.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving, then spoon some of the sauce over each piece.
Variations & Tips
Add a little crunch: If you like a bit of texture, sprinkle a small handful of seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking so the casserole gets a golden finish.
Make it with thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs work nicely here too and often stay extra tender. Just be sure they are cooked through to 165°F before serving.
Thin the sauce if needed: If your soup mixture seems especially thick, stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk before spreading it over the chicken so it bakes up a little looser and makes more spoonable sauce.
Season to your family’s taste: The Italian dressing mix brings plenty of flavor, but a little black pepper, garlic powder, or a pinch of paprika can be added if your family enjoys a bolder supper.
Turn it into a full casserole: Nestle in cooked rice, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms around the chicken before baking if you want a more complete one-pan meal. It is an old-fashioned way to stretch supper and still set down something hearty.