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**Cheesy Baked Chicken: A Deliciously Easy Comfort Food Favorite**
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dinner that’s sure to please the whole family, look no further than **Cheesy Baked Chicken**. This dish takes juicy, tender chicken breasts and bakes them to perfection under a blanket of rich, melty cheese, creating a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that’s so easy to make, yet packed with flavors everyone will love.
Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering, **Cheesy Baked Chicken** is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. The combination of crispy golden chicken and gooey melted cheese makes every bite an irresistible treat. Let’s dive into why this recipe should be your go-to for a quick and delicious dinner and how you can make it at home.
### Why You’ll Love Cheesy Baked Chicken
– **Easy to Make**: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
– **Creamy and Cheesy**: The rich melted cheese creates a luscious topping that pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy chicken.
– **Customizable**: You can mix up the cheese, seasonings, or even add extra toppings like bacon or herbs to make this dish uniquely yours.
– **Kid-Friendly**: The cheesy, comforting nature of this dish makes it a hit with kids and adults alike, even those who might be picky eaters.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
To make **Cheesy Baked Chicken**, you’ll need the following ingredients:
#### For the Chicken:
– **4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts**
– **1 tablespoon olive oil** (or melted butter)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1 teaspoon garlic powder**
– **1 teaspoon onion powder**
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme** (or any herb you like, such as rosemary or Italian seasoning)
#### For the Cheesy Topping:
– **1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese** (or your favorite melting cheese, such as cheddar or provolone)
– **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese** (optional, for extra flavor)
– **1/4 cup heavy cream** (optional, for extra creaminess)
– **1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley** (optional, for garnish)
### Directions
#### 1. **Preheat the Oven**:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
#### 2. **Prepare the Chicken**:
– Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil (or melted butter) to coat them evenly.
– Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme (or your choice of herbs). Make sure to season generously for maximum flavor.
#### 3. **Bake the Chicken**:
– Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
– Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
#### 4. **Add the Cheese**:
– Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and spoon a little bit of heavy cream (if using) over each breast for extra richness and creaminess.
– Top each piece of chicken with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar for a different flavor profile.
#### 5. **Broil for Extra Golden Cheese**:
– Return the chicken to the oven and broil it for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it while broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
6. **Garnish and Serve**:
– Once the cheese is perfectly melted and golden, remove the chicken from the oven.
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
– Serve your cheesy baked chicken immediately with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
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