Creamy & Buttery Chicken Bake
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Chicken Breast
Recipe Type: Main Course
Servings: 6
Description:
If you’re a fan of comforting, creamy dishes, then this Creamy & Buttery Chicken Bake is sure to be your new favorite weeknight meal. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that takes just over an hour to make, but the result is incredibly satisfying. Imagine the richness of buttery crackers, savory chicken breasts, and a creamy, tangy sauce that comes together effortlessly. This recipe gives you that nostalgic feeling of a pre-boxed chicken dinner, but it’s fresher, tastier, and much more affordable. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that requires minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 6 pieces |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Margarine | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Crushed crackers (your choice, such as Ritz) | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 514.6 kcal |
| Fat Content | 30.4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 14.2 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 131.7 mg |
| Sodium Content | 907.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 21.5 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.4 g |
| Sugar Content | 0.8 g |
| Protein Content | 37.5 g |
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
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Prepare the cracker mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the butter and margarine. Mix well until the crackers are evenly coated with the butter and margarine.
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Layer the bottom of the pan: Spread half of the cracker mixture evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will form a crunchy, buttery base for your chicken.
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Season the chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning ensures the chicken is flavorful and perfectly balanced against the creamy sauce.
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Arrange the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the cracker mixture in the baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly across the pan.
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Make the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, water, and any additional salt or pepper to taste. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well-covered.
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Top with remaining cracker mixture: Sprinkle the remaining half of the cracker mixture over the top of the chicken and sauce. This will create a beautiful crunchy topping as the dish bakes.
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Bake to perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The crackers on top should be golden brown and crisp.
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Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling it the night before and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Cracker Variety: Use your favorite type of cracker for this recipe. Ritz crackers are a popular choice due to their buttery flavor, but you can try other varieties for a different texture or taste.
- Add Extra Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or a sprinkle of grated cheese to the cracker mixture before baking.
- Serving Ideas: Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love It
This Creamy & Buttery Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy cracker topping will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and deliciously rich texture.
Enjoy the perfect balance of ease, flavor, and comfort with this quick, budget-friendly recipe.
