Experience the comfort and richness of “Alpine Comfort: Swiss Chicken Bake,” a warm and satisfying dish that features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy sauce, topped with Swiss cheese and herbed stuffing. This easy-to-make, one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. With its combination of juicy chicken, melty cheese, and a crispy topping, this bake is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Swiss Chicken Bake:
- Rich and Creamy: The Swiss cheese and cream-based sauce create a deliciously rich and comforting dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with straightforward, easily accessible ingredients.
- One-Dish Meal: Minimal cleanup required, perfect for a hassle-free dinner.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to include different cheeses or add-ins like mushrooms or spinach.
Ingredients Notes For Swiss Chicken Bake:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking and easy serving.
- Swiss Cheese: Known for its mild, nutty flavor that melts beautifully over the chicken.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Acts as a base for the sauce, providing richness and depth. You can substitute with cream of chicken if preferred.
- Milk: Thins the soup to create a more pourable sauce.
- Stuffing Mix: Adds a crunchy, flavorful topping that complements the creamy texture of the dish.
- Butter: Mixed with the stuffing mix for added richness and helps to brown the topping.
- Seasonings: Simple salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer in a greased baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Cheese:
- Place slices of Swiss cheese over each chicken breast.
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the cheese-covered chicken.
- Prepare the Stuffing:
- In another bowl, mix the dry stuffing mix with melted butter until the crumbs are well coated.
- Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the buttered stuffing evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the stuffing is golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Best reheated in the oven to maintain the texture of the stuffing topping.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (you can also use cream of mushroom for a different flavor)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup stuffing mix either dry or prepared, depending on your preference
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- Optional: 1/4 cup white wine adds depth to the sauce
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Chicken:
-
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Lay them in a single layer in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Add Cheese:
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Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast.
Mix the Soup Layer:
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In a bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and optional white wine until well combined. Spread this mixture over the chicken and cheese in the baking dish.
Add the Stuffing:
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If using dry stuffing mix, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the soup layer. If using prepared stuffing, spoon it over the top.
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Drizzle melted butter over the stuffing. This helps the stuffing turn golden and crispy as it bakes.
Bake:
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Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and crispy.
Serve:
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Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to settle the layers.
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Serve hot, ideally with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
