January Comfort: Just 4 ingredients. I make it when I want dinner handled hours ahead.

Some evenings call for a meal that practically cooks itself. When the day has been long and the kitchen clock keeps moving faster than expected, having a dependable recipe can make dinner feel manageable again. That is where this creamy Swiss chicken bake fits perfectly.

This is the kind of meal many families rely on during colder months. It uses just a handful of basic ingredients, requires very little preparation, and allows the oven to do most of the work. Once the dish is assembled, you can focus on other tasks while dinner slowly comes together.

Simple comfort recipes remain popular because they solve a common problem: getting a warm, satisfying meal on the table without spending hours cooking. This Swiss chicken bake delivers tender chicken covered in melted cheese and a smooth, creamy sauce that feels hearty without being complicated.

It is especially useful on busy weeknights or weekends when you want dinner prepared ahead of time. The dish can be assembled early in the day and baked later, making it a practical option for households with unpredictable schedules.

Why Simple Oven Dinners Still Work So Well

Recipes with a short ingredient list continue to be favorites because they are easy to plan and budget-friendly. Many families keep items like canned soup, cheese, and chicken on hand, which makes this dish easy to prepare without a special shopping trip.

A one-pan dinner also means less cleanup. Everything cooks together in a single baking dish, which helps keep the process simple from start to finish.

Slow oven baking allows the chicken to stay tender while the sauce thickens naturally. Covering the dish for part of the cooking time helps retain moisture so the chicken stays juicy.

These small details contribute to a meal that feels comforting and reliable.

The Four Core Ingredients

This recipe is built around four basic ingredients that work together to create a creamy texture and mild flavor.

Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean and versatile base. Baking them slowly helps maintain tenderness and allows them to absorb the flavor of the sauce.

Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese melts smoothly and adds a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It forms a soft layer that blends into the creamy sauce during baking.

Cream of chicken soup
This pantry staple creates the base of the sauce. It helps bind the ingredients and contributes to the smooth consistency.

Sour cream
Sour cream adds richness and a gentle tang that balances the mild flavor of the chicken and cheese.

Together, these ingredients create a consistent result with very little effort.

How to Prepare the Dish

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the baking dish.

Place Swiss cheese slices evenly over each piece of chicken.

In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the cheese-covered chicken.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbling gently.

Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the sauce can settle and thicken slightly.

Serving Ideas That Work Well

This creamy chicken pairs well with simple side dishes that absorb the sauce.

Good options include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• Steamed rice
• Green beans or peas
• Simple garden salad

Warm bread or dinner rolls can also help make the meal feel complete.

These familiar sides help balance the richness of the sauce while keeping the meal practical for everyday cooking.

— See Next Page —