Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
Before we dive into the method, here is why this Chicken Alexandra will become a favorite.
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Only 4 ingredients. Simple and affordable.
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No pre-cooking. Everything goes into the dish raw.
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One dish. Minimal cleanup.
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Creamy and savory. Rich, satisfying, and delicious.
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Crowd-pleasing. Everyone loves creamy chicken.
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Budget-friendly. Chicken, soup, and sour cream are inexpensive.
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Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Servings: 6
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2 1/2 to 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
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2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
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1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
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1 (1-ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
Ingredient Notes
Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks.
Cream of mushroom soup: Creates the creamy sauce base.
Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess.
Onion soup mix: Adds savory onion flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared dish, skin side up.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and dry onion soup mix until well combined.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken pieces, spreading it so all the chicken is coated.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 6: Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
How to Serve Chicken Alexandra
This creamy, savory chicken is delicious on its own, but the right sides make it a complete meal.
Over Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles catch the sauce.
With Rice: White rice or jasmine rice absorbs the sauce.
With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes are a classic pairing.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with green beans or broccoli.
With a Green Salad: A simple salad cuts through the richness.
Variations & Tips
Make It with Chicken Breasts: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts.
Make It with Different Soup: Use cream of chicken or celery soup.
Make It with Herbs: Add thyme or parsley.
Make It with Garlic: Add minced garlic.
Make It with Onion: Add sliced onion.
Make It with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms.
Make It with Cheese: Add shredded cheddar.
Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soup and onion mix.
Pro Tips for Absolute Success
Pat the chicken dry. This helps the skin crisp.
Cover tightly with foil. This traps the steam.
Let the chicken rest before serving. This keeps it tender.
Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat?
Yes. Pork chops or chicken breasts can be used.
Can I use a different soup?
Yes. Cream of chicken or celery soup can be used.
Can I use a different sour cream?
Yes. Greek yogurt can be used.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Why is my sauce thin?
The chicken released too much moisture. Let it rest.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Add mushrooms or onions.
Can I use a different pan?
Yes. Any oven-safe dish works.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours.
The Beauty of Simple Chicken Dishes
There is something deeply satisfying about a warm, creamy chicken dish that comes together with almost no effort. It is the kind of food that makes people happy. This Chicken Alexandra is a celebration of all those things.
Keep chicken in your freezer. Keep soup, sour cream, and onion mix in your pantry and fridge. This recipe is the reason why.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes covered, plus 25 to 35 minutes uncovered
Rest Time: 5 to 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings