Creamy Baked Cheesy Chicken

Description

Creamy Baked Cheesy Chicken is a rich, comforting dish that combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a luscious cream sauce and a generous layer of melted cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Cheesy Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella & cheddar)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare Chicken
   Pat chicken breasts dry, season both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.

3. Sear Chicken
   In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chicken and sear 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden (they will finish cooking in the oven). Transfer chicken to the prepared baking dish.

4. Make Creamy Sauce
   In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Pour in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Assemble
   Pour the cream sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.

6. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is melted and golden.

7. Serve
   Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before cooking.

• You can swap mozzarella for provolone, gouda, or a cheddar blend for a different flavor profile.

Tips

• Juicy chicken tip: Sear chicken quickly on high heat to lock in juices before baking.

• Cheese melt perfection: Let cheese rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before adding; it melts more evenly.

• Meal prep: This dish can be assembled ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and baked when ready to serve.

Servings

• Yield: 4 servings

• Serving size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal

• Protein: 41 g

• Fat: 30 g

• Saturated Fat: 17 g

• Carbohydrates: 3 g

• Fiber: 0 g

• Sugar: 1 g

• Sodium: 620 mg

Benefits

• High in protein – Great for muscle repair and growth.

• Calcium-rich – From the cheese and cream, supporting bone health.

• Comfort food satisfaction – Creamy and cheesy without deep frying.

• Versatile – Works with different cheese and seasoning variations.

Q & A

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great; just adjust cooking time slightly as they cook faster.

Q2: How can I make it healthier?
Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce cheese by 25%.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q4: What side dishes go best with this?
Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad pair beautifully.

Q5: Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add chili flakes, cayenne, or a spicy cheese blend for heat.