When you need a foolproof dish that wows guests and comforts the soul, Company Chicken is the answer. This creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy baked chicken dish is a dinner-party favorite. With tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious, savory sauce, it’s the perfect blend of elegance and ease. Serve it over rice or pasta for a meal that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort. If you’re looking for an easy baked chicken recipe that guarantees compliments, you’ve found it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Entertaining: This dish looks and tastes impressive but is incredibly simple to prepare.
Rich & Creamy Texture: The sauce envelops the chicken in a velvety, savory embrace, making each bite irresistible.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the mild, comforting flavors.
Versatile & Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and bake when needed, it only gets better as the flavors meld!
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy, they soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Cream of chicken soup – Forms the base of the rich and savory sauce.
Sour cream – Adds tanginess and enhances the creamy consistency.
Mayonnaise – Provides a silky texture and slight tang.
Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Dijon mustard – Balances the richness with a subtle zing.
Garlic powder – Infuses mild, savory depth without overpowering.
Onion powder – Enhances the overall flavor profile with a touch of sweetness.
Crushed butter crackers – Adds a crispy, golden topping that contrasts the creamy sauce.
Butter – Helps the crackers brown and adds a rich, buttery taste.
Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Substitutions, Variations & Serving Ideas
Dairy-Free? Swap sour cream for dairy-free yogurt and use a plant-based mayo.
Low-Carb? Replace the crackers with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly twist.
Extra Flavor? Add cooked bacon bits or a dash of hot sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a crisp green salad.
How to Make Company Chicken
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in the baking dish, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and half the shredded cheese.
- Assemble: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the dish.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Company Chicken
Thin chicken breasts cook more evenly. If they’re too thick, pound them to an even thickness.
Let the dish rest after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to settle.
Use full-fat ingredients for the best texture and richness.
Toast the cracker topping first if you love extra crunch!
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a covered, freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take longer.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What can I serve with Company Chicken?
Try rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup?
Yes! A simple mix of broth, milk, and a flour-based roux works perfectly.
- Why is my sauce too runny?
It thickens as it cools, but using full-fat ingredients prevents excessive thinning.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 450 | Carbs: 15g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 1g
Company Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place in the dish.
- In a bowl, mix soup, sour cream, mayo, Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, and half the cheese.
- Spread the sauce over the chicken and top with remaining cheese.
- Combine crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the dish.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and chicken reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- For a crispier topping, toast crackers before adding.
- Serve with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.