Are you craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This recipe elevates the classic Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup into a hearty and satisfying chicken dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. It's one of those easy recipes that's surprisingly impressive, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated. This recipe is a testament to transforming simple ingredients into a truly delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesy goodness!)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine the Soup and Simmer: Stir in the Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
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Add Chicken and Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese during the last minute of simmering, until melted and creamy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the creamy chicken and cheese soup immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This quick dinner idea is perfect served with crusty bread for dipping!
Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it until it's just cooked through and still juicy.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme, use about 1 tablespoon instead of the dried thyme. Fresh herbs always add a more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. You can also add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding vegetables like chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it a Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and heated through. Top with extra cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This recipe showcases how easy it is to create healthy meals using readily available ingredients. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that require minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup Chicken recipe!