Baked cheesy chicken is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight. It’s also a dish the whole family will love.
This recipe is simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. You can easily swap out the type of cheese, add vegetables, or change up the seasonings to suit your taste.
Keep reading for all the secrets to the best baked cheesy chicken ever!
Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake: A Quick and Easy Classic
This recipe is inspired by the flavors of chicken parmesan, but it’s been simplified for busy weeknights. You’ll get the same delicious taste, but with a faster prep time and fewer ingredients.
In fact, this recipe only calls for six ingredients: chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic powder, marinara sauce, parmesan, and mozzarella.
Preparing the Chicken
The original recipe calls for pan-frying the chicken breasts. You’ll want to sear each side for about 5 minutes, making sure the pan is hot enough to prevent the chicken from sticking.
However, if you’re looking for an even easier method, you can bake the chicken raw. Just pop it in the oven at 375°F for at least 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F internally.
See the full recipe for Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake.
Baked Creamy Cheesy Chicken: Elevating the Dish with a Homemade Sauce
While it’s tempting to reach for a can of cream-of-whatever soup, making your own cream sauce from scratch really takes this recipe to the next level. Not only can you avoid the processed ingredients, but you can also dial in the flavor and texture exactly to your liking.
Crafting the Cream Sauce from Scratch
The key ingredients for this creamy dream are butter, garlic, flour, milk, and a splash of dry vermouth or white wine.
Selecting the Cheese
While you can use any cheese you like, Gruyere really shines in this dish. Its nutty and slightly salty flavor complements the cream sauce beautifully.
Not a Gruyere fan? No problem! Swiss, white cheddar, or even mozzarella will work just fine.
Assembling and Baking
Once you’ve got your sauce and cheese sorted, simply combine everything with the chicken in a baking dish and pop it in a 425°F oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Essential Tips for Perfect Baked Cheesy Chicken
Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you’re making this recipe:
Ensuring proper cooking
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Keep in mind that thicker pieces of chicken will take longer to cook, so you may have to adjust your baking time.
Optimizing flavor
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce. The better the sauce, the more flavorful the dish will be.
- Freshly grate your Parmesan cheese using a microplane zester.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme to really punch up the flavor.
Choosing the right equipment
- Use a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- If you don’t have a baking dish, you can use a large, oven-safe skillet.
Variations and Substitutions: Tailoring the Recipe to Your Taste
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to change it up. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Cheese Variations
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would all work well in this dish. You could even add a little goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
Sauce Variations
Want to add a little heat? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. For more depth, try Italian seasoning or a pinch of dried oregano.
Protein Variations
Chicken thighs will give you a richer flavor, but they’ll also take a little longer to cook. Thinly sliced chicken cutlets will cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Breadcrumb Topping
Panko breadcrumbs will give you the crispiest topping. Mix them with a little olive oil and some fresh thyme for extra flavor.
What to serve with baked cheesy chicken
Baked cheesy chicken is great with lots of different sides. Here are some of my favorites:
- Pasta with marinara sauce (spaghetti or penne are good choices)
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots
- A simple salad with a light vinaigrette
For drinks, a dry white wine like Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, or Viognier pairs well with the creamy chicken. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, try a medium-dry cider.
Leftovers and Storage
Got leftovers? Store your baked cheesy chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days.
To reheat, gently warm it in a pan over low heat or pop it in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook it!
Freezing isn’t recommended. The cheese can get a weird texture when it thaws, and nobody wants that.
Putting It All Together
Baked cheesy chicken is so easy to make, and it always satisfies! Plus, the recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can swap out the cheese, change up the spices, or add your favorite veggies.
Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect baked cheesy chicken recipe for you and your family.