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Melt-In-Your-Mouth Baked Cheesy Chicken

Updated on 4 min read

Quick Description:

This Melt-In-Your-Mouth Baked Cheesy Chicken is the definition of comfort food — tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection and smothered in a creamy, cheesy topping that melts into every bite. The golden-brown crust of cheddar and mozzarella creates a mouthwatering finish that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this dish is easy, hearty, and guaranteed to impress!

Servings & Timing:

  • Servings: 4–6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients List:

For the Chicken:

  • 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the foil or baking dish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Pat the Chicken Dry:
    Using paper towels, pat your chicken breasts dry to help the coating stick and ensure they bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesy Mixture

  1. Combine Ingredients:
    In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Cheese:
    Fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix until everything is well combined — the mixture should be thick and spreadable.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken

  1. Arrange the Chicken:
    Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
  2. Spread the Cheese Mixture:
    Evenly spread the cheesy mixture over each chicken breast using a spoon or spatula. Cover the top completely so every bite gets coated in that delicious topping.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake:
    Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  2. Broil for Golden Perfection (Optional):
    For a crispy, golden-brown top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

  1. Rest and Serve:
    Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  2. Garnish:
    Sprinkle with chopped parsley or a pinch of paprika for color before serving.
  3. Enjoy:
    Serve hot with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Additional Notes:

  • Lighter Version:
    Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lower-calorie option.
  • Flavor Boost:
    Add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheesy topping for a spicy kick.
  • Crispy Option:
    For a little crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers over the top before baking.

Dietary Info:

  • High-Protein: Each chicken breast is rich in protein, making it a perfect main dish for high-protein or keto-friendly diets.
  • Low-Carb: With no breadcrumbs or flour, this dish is naturally low in carbs.
  • Keto-Friendly: Great for keto dieters — just use full-fat mayonnaise and cheese.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions:

  • Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture and top with marinara sauce before baking.
  • Bacon Ranch Version: Mix in 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing and top with crumbled cooked bacon before baking.
  • Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning and top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy, cheesy Southwest flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead:

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes until warm.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and stay extra juicy. Just adjust baking time to 25–30 minutes.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts smoother and gives a creamier texture.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Call-to-Action:

“Cheesy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible — this Melt-In-Your-Mouth Baked Chicken is a must-try! 💛
Make it tonight and share your golden, gooey masterpiece by tagging #CheesyChickenDream. Your family will beg for seconds!”

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