Some recipes earn their place at the table because they are fancy, and some because they are dependable enough to carry a busy family through supper without a fuss. This old-fashioned Worthington-style baked chicken falls firmly in that second camp, with just four ingredients coming together into a rich, comforting dish that tastes like more work than it is. It is the sort of Midwestern supper that showed up for church dinners, company meals, and weeknights alike, and once you pull that bubbling pan from the oven, it is easy to understand why folks kept the recipe tucked close at hand for years.
Serve this chicken with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice to catch every bit of that creamy sauce. On the side, green beans, sweet corn, or a simple lettuce salad make a fine match, and if you are feeding company, a pan of warm dinner rolls and a fruit cobbler afterward will make the whole meal feel like something worth remembering.
Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Chicken Worthington
Servings: 6
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch ceramic baking dish.
2. Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth and well blended.
4. Spread the soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, covering them well, then sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
6. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can settle a bit, then spoon plenty of the sauce over each piece when serving.
Variations & Tips
Add a little seasoning: If you do not mind stepping beyond the strict four-ingredient version, a light sprinkle of black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika over the chicken adds a little extra depth without changing the spirit of the dish.
Use chicken cutlets: Thinner chicken cutlets will bake more quickly and make serving easier, especially if you are feeding children or older folks who prefer smaller portions. Just begin checking for doneness a bit sooner.
Try a different cheese: Swiss gives this casserole its classic mellow flavor, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack will make a softer, milder topping if that is what your family prefers.
Keep it from getting watery: If your chicken breasts are especially large or have added moisture, pat them dry well before placing them in the baking dish. That helps the sauce stay creamy instead of thin.
Make it a full casserole: For a heartier one-pan supper, tuck cooked rice or egg noodles alongside the chicken when serving, or spoon the baked chicken over toast just the way many home cooks used to do for a filling, economical meal.