Cheesy Chicken Breast Bake – Today. I’m thrilled to share with you a family favorite. That never fails to impress: Cheesy Chicken Breast Bake. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts. With a creamy, cheesy topping. All crisped to perfection. With a hint of bacon. Ideal for a cozy dinner. This recipe features a blend of savory flavors. From garlic, onion, dill weed, and chives. Merged with the heartiness of chicken and bacon. All under a golden layer of melted cheese.
The first time I whipped up this Cheesy Chicken Breast Bake. It was a chilly evening. And I was aiming for something comforting. Yet simple. The result? A dish that became an instant hit! My husband. Always a fan of anything with cheese and bacon. Couldn’t stop praising it. And my little one gobbled it up. Asking for seconds. It’s since become our go-to. For weeknight dinners. Bringing a smile. To everyone’s face.
What makes this Cheesy Chicken Breast Bake truly special?
What sets this Cheesy Chicken Breast Bake apart? First, it’s a delightful blend of convenience. And gourmet flavor. With just 30 minutes. From start to finish. It’s perfect for busy nights. The combination of cream cheese. And cheddar creates a creamy. Yet fully-flavored base. That complements the chicken beautifully. While the bacon adds a crispy. Savory note. That elevates the whole dish.
What You Need To Make This Cheesy Chicken Breast Bake Recipe?
Thick-Cut Bacon: This isn’t just any bacon. It’s the kind. That promises a satisfying crunch. And a deep, smoky flavor. That makes everything better. It’s like the comforting feeling of a warm, sunny day.
Chicken Breasts: We pound them thin. To make sure they cook evenly. And stay juicy. Think of it as prepping them. To soak up all the love (and flavors) we’re about to give.
Vegetable Oil and Butter: They team up. To cook our chicken to perfection. The oil ensures it doesn’t stick. While the butter adds a rich, comforting flavor. Like a warm hug. For your taste buds.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika): These are our flavor heroes. Transforming simple chicken. Into a dish full of warmth and depth. Each sprinkle adds its own little spark of joy.
Cream Cheese Mixture: This creamy, dreamy blend. This is what sets this dish apart. It’s smooth. It’s cheesy. And it’s got just the right mix of herbs. To make each bite. Feel like a little celebration.
Garnish (Parsley and Scallions): Fresh parsley and scallions are the finishing touch. Adding a pop of color. And a burst of freshness. That lifts the whole dish. It’s like the final note in a song. That leaves you feeling just right.
Steps To Make Cheesy Chicken Breast Bake:
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400˚F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high and cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate, but keep that flavorful fat in the skillet.
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Step 3: Mix the leftover bacon fat with a bit of vegetable oil, then add your seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them until they’re beautifully golden, making sure to add a touch of butter for that extra richness.
Step 4: After cooking, arrange the chicken in your baking dish, then top each breast with a generous spread of the herby cream cheese mixture, followed by bacon and shredded cheese.
Step 5: Bake everything until the chicken is wonderfully cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and green onions for a burst of freshness.
Tip:
After baking. Resist the temptation to cut into your Cheesy Chicken Breast Bake immediately. Instead, give it a brief rest. For about 5 minutes. After taking it out of the oven. This simple step. Allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken. Ensuring that each bite. Is incredibly moist. And flavorful. It’s a small act of patience. That pays off in big, delicious dividends. Making your dish not just good. But great. This rest period. Also allows the cheese to set slightly. Ensuring that when you do slice into the chicken. It’s topped with perfectly melted, gooey cheese. That’s just the right consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use turkey bacon instead?
Turkey bacon. Can be a great alternative. If you’re looking for a leaner option. Just make sure it’s cooked. Until crispy. For the best texture.
Is there a low-carb option for this dish?
This Cheesy Chicken Breast Bake is already quite low in carbs. Making it perfect. For those on a ketogenic diet. Or trying to reduce their carbohydrate intake.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish up to the point of baking. And keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to eat. Simply bake it as directed. Note that the cooking time. May increase slightly. If it’s cold from the refrigerator.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cheesy Chicken Breast Bake
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon diced
FOR THE CHICKEN:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 1 lb total boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ¼-inch thickness
- Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked or sweet paprika
FOR THE RANCH CREAM CHEESE:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried dill weed
- ½ tsp dried chives
- 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese white or yellow - I use a little of both
FOR GARNISH:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sliced green scallions
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Start by heating your oven to 400˚F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy, then set it aside. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Brown Chicken: Mix vegetable oil with the bacon fat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook in the skillet until golden on each side, adding butter when you flip them. Then, place the chicken in the baking dish.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and chives. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Assemble: Spread the cream cheese mixture over each chicken breast. Top with half the bacon and shredded cheese.
- Bake: Cook in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is done and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with the remaining bacon, parsley, and scallions before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
