Creamy Oven Chicken
When you need an easy chicken dinner that doesn’t require a lot of preparation, this 5-Ingredient Creamy Oven Chicken is a perfect choice. Tender chicken tenderloins are baked in a rich, creamy ranch sauce and finished with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting casserole-style meal the whole family can enjoy.
Everything comes together in one baking dish, making this an especially convenient weeknight dinner. Serve the creamy chicken over mashed potatoes, white rice, or egg noodles, and add green beans, broccoli, or corn for a complete family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Oven Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
- Place the chicken tenderloins in a single, even layer in the prepared dish.
- In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Stir until smooth.
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure the pieces are well coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Spoon the chicken and creamy sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
What to Serve With Creamy Baked Chicken
This easy chicken casserole pairs especially well with:
- Mashed potatoes
- White or brown rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Sweet corn
- Simple garden salad
- Warm dinner rolls
Easy Variations
Add vegetables: Add frozen broccoli florets or drained green beans around the chicken before covering everything with the sauce.
Try another cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella can be substituted for cheddar.
Add extra seasoning: A little garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper can add more flavor using ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
Make it extra cheesy: Add a little additional shredded cheese during the final few minutes of baking.
Use chicken breasts: Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of tenderloins, but cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on their thickness.
Benefits of This Easy Chicken Dinner
- Only 5 main ingredients: Simple enough for busy weeknights.
- One-dish preparation: Less cleanup after dinner.
- Family-friendly: Creamy sauce and melted cheddar make chicken especially appealing to kids and adults.
- Versatile serving options: Pair it with rice, noodles, potatoes, or vegetables.
- Easy to customize: Add vegetables, change the cheese, or adjust the seasonings.
- Protein-rich dinner: Chicken provides a substantial source of protein for a satisfying meal.
- Great for meal planning: Leftovers can be reheated and served with a fresh side dish.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Use chicken pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Start checking the chicken a few minutes before the suggested cooking time because tenderloins can cook quickly.
- Always use a meat thermometer and make sure the thickest piece reaches 165°F.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can settle.
- For the creamiest result, avoid overbaking the chicken.
