What is comfort food? What is better than sinking your teeth into something warm and cheesy? What do you do after a long day? Is this **cheesy Baked Chicken** recipe? Is it like a warm hug in the casserole dish? Is it easier to whip up than the boxed mac and cheese dinners we all know? I secretly crave (shhh, I won’t tell you). What is more delicious? Think creamy, flavorful chicken nestled in a blanket of gooey cheese. Is it a crowd pleaser? My pickiest eaters devour it. One bite and you’ll understand why this is a keeper!
What is Cheesy Baked Chicken?
What exactly is this delicious Baked Chicken? Think of it as the ultimate chicken casserole but elevated. What is this essentially tender chicken piece smothered in a creamy, flavorful sauce, all baked under the grill, and served immediately. What is the best layer of melted cheese? The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. What are some of the easiest steps to follow using ingredients you already have on hand? How do I become a good cook? What is cheesy, baked and chicken? What’s not to love? Plus, it’s endlessly customizable – you can add veggies, different cheeses, or even a little spice. How do I make my own website?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Alright, let me tell you why this **cheesy Baked Chicken** recipe is about to become your new go-to. First and foremost: the flavor! We’re talking incredibly tender chicken coated in a creamy sauce with just the right amount of seasonings. It’s savory, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, from prep to table, it takes less than an hour, which is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you just want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-efficient. Chicken thighs are budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are pantry staples, so you won’t break the bank making this. And the versatility? Oh, the possibilities! You can serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even just enjoy it on its own with a side of steamed vegetables.
For me, this stands out from other baked Chicken Recipes because of its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it achieves with just a few ingredients. I’ve tried fancy, complicated versions, but this one is consistently the best. It’s also reminiscent of my grandma’s cooking; simple, comforting, and always made with love. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked!
How do I make cheesy baked chicken?
Quick Overview
How do you make a delicious Baked Chicken? How do you mix together the creamy sauce, toss in the chicken, layer it in a baking dish, and top it off with some cheese? Is it possible to make it with What is the best part? It’s mostly hands-off cooking, so you can relax or get other things done while it bakes. What is a dump and bake situation? This method is special because the chicken stays incredibly moist and tender, and the flavors meld. How do you bake a cake in the oven? Don’t be intimidated, you got this!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. I always use chicken thighs in the oven because they are so much juicier than chicken breasts. – 1 tbsp olive oil. Just a little something to get the chicken going. I love garlic, but the powder mixes so nicely in this recipe. – 1/2 tsp onion powder. A little goes a long way here. – 1/2 tsp paprika. Adds to the smokiness. – Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy!
What is Creamy Sauce?
– 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup. This is the base of our creamy goodness. – 1/2 cup sour cream. Adds a lovely tang and richness. I’ve used plain Greek yogurt in a pinch, and it works great too! – 1/4 cup milk. To thin out the sauce a bit. – 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Adds a little extra cheesy flavor to the sauce.
For the Cheesy Topping:
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. I usually go for sharp cheddar for the best flavor, but you can use your favorite!
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. How do you remove a cheesy baked chicken? Is there any way to skip this step? I usually spray it right before I start mixing everything, just to make sure it’s ready to go.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Serve immediately. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings. Why is this important because it ensures that every bite is packed with flavor? I always give it a good mix with my hands to make sure everything is well distributed.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and salt. Set aside. Parmesan cheese is fine. Add water to taste What is your dreamy sauce? Make sure there are no lumps, and everything is well combined. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my salad for spiciness, but that’s totally optional.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
How do I make creamy sauce for chicken? Pour over seasoned chicken and stir until evenly coated. Make sure every piece of chicken is covered in that delicious sauce. How do you mix all those flavors together and infuse the chicken? This step is key for getting that amazing flavor throughout the dish. Don’t overmix – just enough to coat.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. How do you bake a chicken in the oven? I like to give it a gentle shake to settle everything in nicely.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce mixture. Don’t be shy with cheese – the more, the merrier! What makes a good baked chicken? I sometimes use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra cheesy flavor.
Step 7: Bake
In the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and cool. is melted and bubbly. If the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F (74°C) then it should be cooked in a frying pan. I always check with a meat thermometer to be sure. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes. How long does it take to bake
Step 8: Let It Rest
Is it safe to bake a chicken breast in the oven? How do I make a sauce that is too thick? What is the best way to set up a table in ten minutes?
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy! This **cheesy baked chicken** is delicious on its own or served over rice, pasta or mashed potatoes. I also like to add a side of steamed vegetables to my meal. Is it true that everyone will love it?
What should I serve it with?
What’s your favorite recipe for baked chicken? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?Over Rice:What are the best foods to eat: white, brown, or quinoa? The rice soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully. I love jasmine rice – the aroma is amazing!With Pasta:Toss it with your favorite pasta shape for a hearty and satisfying meal. What are some good options for egg noodles? What are some good substitutions for cooked broccoli florets?Alongside Mashed Potatoes:Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food pairing. I like to make mine with Parmesan and garlic for extra flavor.With steamed vegetables:What are some healthy side dishes to serve with broccoli, green beans, or asparagus? I usually toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.For a Cozy Night In:Serve straight from the dish with a side of crusty bread for dipping. What’s better on a chilly evening?
How do I make cheesy baked chicken?
What are some insider tips to make sure your **cheesy baked chicken** is absolutely perfect!Chicken Thighs are Key: Why are they importantI mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating. Chicken thighs are much more forgiving than chicken breasts and stay incredibly juicy in the oven. If you are using chicken breasts, make sure not to overcook them.Don’t overcook a chicken: DonOvercooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When the oven reaches a certain temperature, take it out.Customize Cheese: How do I customizeFeel free to experiment with different types of cheese. How do you add pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper to your favorite dish? I once used a smoked Gouda, and it was amazing!Add Veggies: This recipe is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Add some sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the chicken before baking. Just make sure they are relatively uniform in size.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack. I also like to add a dash of hot sauce sometimes, just for a little extra kick.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble the cheesy baked chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through. This is a lifesaver when you’re entertaining!
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken and prevents it from being too watery. Trust me, it makes a big difference!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat your **cheesy baked chicken**:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesy baked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Methods:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the leftovers for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Reheat the leftovers in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This works best if you add a splash of milk or broth to keep it from drying out.
Glaze Timing Advice: I usually don’t glaze it before freezing, because it can make the texture weird. But if you’re just refrigerating it, glazing it is fine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my absolute favorite **cheesy baked chicken** recipe! I truly believe this is a winner because it is simple to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. I mean, who can resist creamy, cheesy chicken? It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you need something comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more easy and delicious dinner ideas! And please, let me know in the comments how your **cheesy baked chicken** turns out. I’d love to hear your variations and serving suggestions. Happy cooking!
