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The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Bake: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe

Discover the joy of a truly satisfying home-cooked meal with this incredible Creamy Chicken Bake. It’s a dish that effortlessly combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, scratch-made cream sauce, all crowned with a golden, buttery cracker topping. Baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole is more than just dinner; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds. Prepare to make this recipe a staple in your family’s culinary collection!

Effortless Elegance: Your Weeknight Dinner Solution

When the clock is ticking and hunger calls, a hot, filling, and utterly delicious dinner is a savior. This Creamy Chicken Bake fits the bill perfectly. Imagine succulent boneless chicken breasts, enveloped in a velvety, homemade cream sauce that’s seasoned just right, then topped with a delightful crunch of buttery crackers. Baked until golden brown and bubbling, it transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Serving this magnificent dish couldn’t be easier. A simple bed of fluffy white rice provides the ideal canvas for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce, while a side of your favorite vibrant green vegetable completes the meal, offering a balanced and wholesome dining experience your family will adore. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a moment of comfort, a culinary hug after a long day.

Chicken casseroles have always been a beacon of comfort in our home, a reliable go-to when we crave something deeply satisfying and nostalgic. Whether it’s the cheesy goodness of a Chicken Parmesan Casserole to fulfill an Italian craving, or the warm embrace of a Chicken Noodle Casserole on a chilly evening, there’s an undeniable charm to baked chicken dishes. This Creamy Chicken Bake, with its unique blend of textures and familiar flavors, holds a special place, evoking happy memories and creating new ones with every bite. It’s proof that a well-crafted chicken casserole is always a winning dinner strategy.

A Nostalgic Journey: The Story Behind This Recipe

Every truly great recipe often has a story, and this Creamy Chicken Bake is no exception. It’s a culinary tribute to a cherished childhood favorite. Growing up, one of the most anticipated dinners involved bone-in chicken generously coated in a canned cream soup, then sprinkled with a crunchy layer of buttery crackers and baked until golden. Served over a mound of rice, it was a simple yet profoundly delicious meal that imprinted itself on my taste buds and memory.

While that original version held a special place, I’ve always yearned to create my own rendition—one that elevates the experience with a rich, velvety, scratch-made cream sauce and the convenience of boneless chicken breasts. The challenge was to capture that comforting essence while enhancing the flavors and texture. The buttery crackers, undeniably the star of that childhood dish, were non-negotiable in my recreation. Their distinctive flavor and satisfying crunch are what make this meal truly memorable, adding that perfect contrasting texture to the creamy chicken. After many delightful attempts, I am absolutely thrilled with how this homemade version turned out. It’s a perfected classic, ready to be enjoyed by your family and cherished for years to come!

Gather Your Essentials: Ingredients and Supplies for Success

Crafting this delightful Creamy Chicken Bake begins with quality ingredients and the right tools. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece:

Key Ingredients:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The foundation of our bake. Opt for fresh, plump breasts for the best results. You can also use chicken thighs if preferred, adjusting baking time as needed.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the savory base of our scratch-made cream sauce, adding depth and flavor. Low-sodium is always a good choice to control saltiness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The essential thickening agent for our creamy sauce, ensuring a smooth and luxurious consistency.
• Poultry Seasoning: A fragrant blend that provides a warm, savory note to the sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, a combination of dried thyme, sage, and rosemary (about equal parts) makes an excellent substitute.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to your personal taste preference.
• Whole Milk: Contributes to the rich, creamy texture of the sauce. Full-fat milk is recommended for the best flavor and consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and extra richness to the sauce, balancing the savory elements beautifully. Don’t skip this for that signature creamy flavor!
• Butter: Used to create the irresistible buttery cracker topping. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of the dish.
• Buttery Crackers (like Ritz crackers): The secret to that iconic crunchy, savory topping. Their distinctive buttery flavor and texture are crucial for this recipe’s nostalgic appeal.

Essential Supplies:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for a family-sized casserole, allowing the chicken to cook evenly and the topping to crisp beautifully.
• Medium Saucepan: Indispensable for preparing the smooth, lump-free cream sauce.
• Whisk: To ensure your sauce is perfectly smooth and free of lumps.
• Small Bowl and Fork: For mixing the crushed crackers with melted butter.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Aluminum Foil: For covering the dish during the initial baking phase to keep the chicken moist.
• Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s safely cooked to 165°F.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Creamy Chicken Bake

Creating this comforting casserole is straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly creamy, golden, and utterly delicious chicken bake every time:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the prepared dish. Set this aside while you prepare the glorious cream sauce.
• Step 2: Start the Cream Sauce Base. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. As the broth heats, in a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. This dry mixture will be slowly incorporated into the liquid to prevent lumps.
• Step 3: Create the Thickening Slurry. Once the dry ingredients are mixed, slowly whisk in the whole milk until you have a thick, smooth slurry. This method ensures a lump-free sauce, which is key to its velvety texture.
• Step 4: Thicken the Sauce. Reduce the chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Gradually and continuously whisk the flour-milk mixture into the simmering broth. Keep whisking over low heat. Patience here is a virtue; the sauce will begin to thicken beautifully. Continue to stir until it reaches your desired creamy consistency – it should coat the back of a spoon.

• Step 5: Finish the Cream Sauce. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately after it thickens. Stir in the sour cream until it’s completely incorporated and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and tangy. Pour this luscious cream sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
• Step 6: Prepare the Buttery Cracker Topping. In a small bowl, melt the butter. Crush the buttery crackers (Ritz are perfect for this!) until you have fine crumbs. Stir these crushed crackers into the melted butter with a fork until they are fully moistened and coated.

• Step 7: Add the Topping. Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the cream sauce in the baking dish. This creates that irresistible golden, crunchy crust that makes this dish so special.

• Step 8: Bake to Perfection. Cover the baking dish completely with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. The foil helps steam the chicken, keeping it incredibly moist. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake uncovered for another 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer. The cracker topping should be beautifully golden and bubbly.
• Step 9: Serve and Enjoy. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the sauce to set slightly. Serve generously over a bed of rice, accompanied by your favorite green vegetables for a complete and utterly delicious meal.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Bake

• Prevent Lumps in Sauce: Always whisk your flour-milk slurry thoroughly before adding it to the simmering broth. Slowly add the slurry while constantly whisking to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Ensure Moist Chicken: Covering the casserole with foil for the initial bake traps steam, keeping the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. Removing it later allows the topping to crisp up.
• Check Internal Temperature: For food safety and optimal texture, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This prevents dry, overcooked chicken.
• Customize Your Topping: While buttery crackers are classic, feel free to experiment with other toppings like panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese for a different crunch.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the sauce to thicken naturally over low heat. Rushing it on high heat can cause it to burn or become clumpy.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

While a simple bed of white rice is the traditional and highly recommended accompaniment, don’t hesitate to get creative with your side dishes. Brown rice or wild rice can add a nutty flavor and extra texture. For vegetables, consider steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, sautéed broccoli, or a vibrant garden salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of greens cuts through the richness of the creamy chicken, creating a perfectly balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating for Delicious Leftovers

This Creamy Chicken Bake makes fantastic leftovers! To store, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, the microwave is your quickest option: heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, for a crispier topping, you can reheat individual portions in a conventional oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through, keeping an eye on the topping to prevent burning.

Creamy Chicken Bake Recipe Card

Creamy Chicken Bake

• Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Dish

Print Recipe

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Description

This Creamy Chicken Bake is a family favorite! Tender chicken breasts covered in a creamy sauce and sprinkled with buttery crackers, baked golden and served over a bed of rice.

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Ingredients

• 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 35 buttery crackers, crushed

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken breasts in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. While the chicken broth is heating, whisk the flour, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper together in a bowl, then whisk in the milk until the mixture is thick and smooth. Reduce the chicken broth to a simmer and slowly whisk the flour mixture into the simmering broth. Continue to whisk over low heat until the sauce starts to thicken. Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream. Pour the cream sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
3. In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir the crushed crackers into the butter with a fork. Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the cream sauce in the baking dish.
4. Cover the dish completely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked all the way through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve over rice with a side of veggies.

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I genuinely hope you and your loved ones enjoy this Creamy Chicken Bake as much as my family does. It’s a recipe born from fond memories and perfected with love, designed to bring warmth and joy to your dinner table.

If you create this delightful dish, please snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see your wonderful creations. And for more kitchen inspiration and to connect with fellow food enthusiasts, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group on Facebook! I absolutely love seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the ideas I share. Happy cooking!

xoxo,