Christmas Dinner Backup: Just 4 Ingredients — A Foolproof Holiday Favorite

When it comes to Christmas, the pressure is real. Guests are coming, the turkey might be late, or maybe the sides didn’t turn out as expected. That’s when you need a backup plan—something quick, easy, and absolutely foolproof. Enter the Christmas Dinner Backup: a simple dish that requires only four ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for last-minute emergencies, but so tasty you’ll make it every year.

Ingredients

You only need four basic ingredients to pull this off:

Chicken breasts (or thighs) – about 4 pieces
Cream of mushroom soup – 1 can
Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup
French fried onions – 1 small bag

That’s it! Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor and texture, creating a warm, comforting dish with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts or thighs in the baking dish. Make sure they are spread evenly so each piece cooks at the same rate.

Step 3: Add the Creaminess

Pour the can of cream of mushroom soup evenly over the chicken. This adds moisture and richness, keeping the meat tender during baking. If you want, you can mix in a little water or milk to make the sauce slightly thinner—but it’s not necessary.