This oven baked 3-ingredient chicken imperial is the kind of simple family dish that feels a little special every time it comes to the table. With tender chicken breasts, creamy mushroom soup, and a buttery breadcrumb topping, it bakes into a comforting casserole-style supper that tastes far fancier than the short ingredient list would suggest. It is easy enough for a busy weeknight, but it also has that old-fashioned luncheon charm that makes it perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Serve this chicken with buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice to catch every bit of the creamy sauce. For a lighter plate, add steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. If you are setting out a summer luncheon spread, this also goes beautifully with sliced tomatoes, fruit salad, and warm dinner rolls.
Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Chicken Imperial
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease an oval casserole dish or 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
3. Spoon the condensed cream of mushroom soup evenly over the chicken, spreading it gently so each piece is covered.
4. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a full layer across the casserole.
5. Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
For extra flavor: If you are willing to stretch beyond the original three ingredients, a little black pepper, garlic powder, or a spoonful of sour cream stirred into the soup adds nice richness without changing the spirit of the recipe.
For picky eaters: Use plain breadcrumbs instead of seasoned if your family prefers a milder flavor. You can also cut the chicken into smaller portions before baking so it is easier to serve little ones.
To keep the chicken tender: If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them lightly to an even thickness before baking. This helps everything cook more evenly and keeps the meat from drying out.
Make it a little crispier: For a deeper golden topping, place the dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely so the breadcrumbs do not burn.
Easy make-ahead tip: Assemble the dish a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes first so it bakes more evenly.