Name: One Dish Chicken Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 skinless (boneless chicken breasts – Choose fresh chicken for juicier results; avoid frozen if possible.); 1 can (10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup – Homemade or low-sodium versions work best for more control over flavor.); 1 cup sour cream – Adds creaminess; I prefer full-fat for richer taste.; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Grate it fresh for better melt and flavor.; 1/2 cup chopped onion – Sweet onions enhance the savory taste; chop finely for even cooking.; 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper – Adds a fresh (mild crunch; avoid frozen for better texture.); 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Gives depth without overpowering; I sometimes use fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor.; 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds mild smokiness and a hint of color.; Salt and pepper to taste – I like seasoning each layer to balance flavors.; 2 cups cooked rice – Use freshly cooked or leftover rice; it soaks up the sauce nicely.

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I have to tell you, the first time I made this One Dish Chicken Bake Recipe, I was hooked instantly. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell amazing while being surprisingly simple to put together. I love how everything cooks in one dish, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy my food.

The layers of chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce make it feel indulgent without being complicated. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, step by step, so you can enjoy it as much as I do. If you enjoy simple one-pan meals, you might also like the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken Recipe for a slightly festive twist.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy, flavorful chicken bake. I’ve included some tips I’ve learned to make it taste even better. You can also pair this style of chicken bake with lighter, tangy flavors like in the Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe.

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts – Choose fresh chicken for juicier results; avoid frozen if possible.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Homemade or low-sodium versions work best for more control over flavor.
1 cup sour cream – Adds creaminess; I prefer full-fat for richer taste.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Grate it fresh for better melt and flavor.
1/2 cup chopped onion – Sweet onions enhance the savory taste; chop finely for even cooking.
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper – Adds a fresh, mild crunch; avoid frozen for better texture.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Gives depth without overpowering; I sometimes use fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor.
1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds mild smokiness and a hint of color.
Salt and pepper to taste – I like seasoning each layer to balance flavors.
2 cups cooked rice – Use freshly cooked or leftover rice; it soaks up the sauce nicely.

Note: several servings

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe, and there are plenty of ways to tweak it:

Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Use dairy-free cheese to make it lactose-free.
Replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies and texture.
Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a subtle kick.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick overview of how long it takes to make this dish:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Equipment You Need

I always keep these handy when making this dish:

Baking dish – For layering and baking all ingredients together.
Mixing bowl – To combine the creamy sauce ingredients.
Knife and cutting board – For chopping onions, peppers, and other veggies.
Spoon or spatula – To spread the sauce evenly over the chicken.
Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.

How to Make One Dish Chicken Bake Recipe?

Here’s my step-by-step guide to making this delicious meal. I kept it simple so anyone can follow along.

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Chop the onions and green bell peppers, grate the cheese, and season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This step sets the base for a flavorful bake.

Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth. I like to taste the sauce here to adjust salt or add extra garlic for a punchier flavor.

Layer the Dish

Place the cooked rice in the bottom of your baking dish. Lay the chicken breasts on top, then pour the creamy sauce evenly over them. Sprinkle the chopped onions, bell peppers, and shredded cheese on top for that golden finish.

Bake Until Golden

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly, and the chicken fully cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F.

Rest and Serve

Let the dish sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle. I find this makes it easier to cut and serve while keeping the chicken juicy.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, a few small tweaks make a big difference:

I always season each layer; it really enhances the flavor.
Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes more flavorful than pre-shredded.
Using fresh vegetables keeps the texture crunchy instead of mushy.
Letting the bake rest after cooking makes it creamier.
I sometimes add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.

How to Serve One Dish Chicken Bake Recipe?

I love presenting this dish in a way that looks as good as it tastes.

Serve straight from the baking dish for a rustic, cozy feel.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for color.
Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
I like to drizzle a little extra sour cream on top for creaminess before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal – Perfect for a hearty meal without being heavy.
Protein: 30g – Chicken and cheese provide a solid protein boost.
Carbohydrates: 35g – Mainly from the rice, giving you energy.
Fat: 20g – Balanced with cream, cheese, and sour cream for richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

I often make this dish ahead for busy nights.

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked dish for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing before baking for best texture.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly, or use a microwave for 2–3 minutes per serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons I keep coming back to this One Dish Chicken Bake:

Easy to make – Everything goes in one dish, which makes prep and cleanup simple.
Flavorful – Creamy sauce, seasoned chicken, and melted cheese combine perfectly.
Versatile – You can swap ingredients for dietary needs or taste preferences.
Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike enjoy this comforting meal.
Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.

This recipe has truly become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ash Tyrrell