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Cheese Chicken Bake

This warm and simple Cheese Chicken Bake is full of melty cheese and makes a comforting dish that everyone loves. It features tender chicken under a golden, cheesy crust, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Seasoning
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pound to even thickness for even cooking
  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing the chicken
Cheese and Sauce
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Divided use
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Divided use
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley For added flavor
Topping
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Optional for crunch

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken dry, then season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, sear chicken for 2 minutes per side to brown, then remove.
  4. In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise or cream soup, half the cheddar, half the mozzarella, and parsley.
Assembly
  1. Place seared chicken in a baking dish. Spread the cheese sauce over each piece, covering the top.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses and breadcrumbs on top for a golden crust.
Baking
  1. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and cheese bubbles.
  2. If desired, broil for 2 to 3 minutes for extra brown, watching closely.
Serving
  1. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the chicken juicy.

Notes

For extra flavor, add chopped onions or cooked mushrooms to the sauce. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or with steamed veggies. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.