Description
Cheesy Baked Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp butter
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven
:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the Chicken
:
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them in a baking dish.
Prepare the Sauce
:
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Add chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Add the Cheese
:
Top each chicken breast with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake
:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve
:
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm. Enjoy with a side of veggies or salad!
Chef’s Tip
: Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the cheese for extra flavor!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time. First, ensure your chicken breasts are of uniform thickness by gently pounding them to about 1-inch thick. This guarantees even cooking. Pat them completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Next, in your preheated oven-safe baking dish, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is fully coated. For the sauce, use a medium saucepan on medium heat. Melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, scrape any browned bits from the pan, and simmer to reduce slightly. Evenly distribute this sauce around the chicken in the dish. Combine the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in a bowl, then mound the mixture generously on top of each breast. Bake on the middle rack until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the top is perfectly browned.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and cheesy chicken is wonderfully versatile. For a classic pairing, serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or buttered pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. A lighter option is a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed asparagus and green beans. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, add a side of roasted cherry tomatoes and crusty bread.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Pound chicken for even thickness, season, and place in a dish. Create a simple garlic-butter-broth sauce and pour it over the chicken. Top with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Bone-in, skin-on thighs will add more flavor and require a slightly longer baking time (about 30-35 minutes). Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How can I prevent the cheese from burning?
If the cheese is browning too quickly, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes of cooking, then remove it for the final browning.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered oven dish at 325°F until warmed through to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken with sauce and cheese, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking as directed.
Is the chicken broth necessary?
The broth creates a flavorful sauce that keeps the chicken moist and provides a delicious base. For a richer version, you can substitute it with dry white wine or heavy cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold chicken straight from the fridge: Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even baking.
- Overcrowding the baking dish: Leave space between breasts for proper heat circulation and browning.
- Not checking the internal temperature: Always use a meat thermometer. Visually checking alone can lead to undercooked or dry chicken.
- Using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents: These can prevent smooth melting. For the best texture, shred your own cheese from a block.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Chicken Breasts recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a moist, cheesy, and perfectly cooked main dish with minimal effort. It’s a versatile recipe that adapts to your pantry and pairs beautifully with numerous sides. Give it a try for a comforting, delicious dinner that will become a regular in your meal rotation.