Creamy, cheesy Provolone Chicken baked with tender chicken breasts, provolone cheese, parmesan crust, and Italian seasoning. Perfect comfort food!
There’s something about Provolone Chicken that feels like a warm hug, isn’t there? The first time I made this dish, it wasn’t because I planned it—it was one of those what’s in the fridge moments. I had some leftover provolone slices from a sandwich spree (you know how it is), and chicken breasts just staring at me, daring me to be creative.
I’ll be honest: I wasn’t expecting much. But as the cheese melted into the chicken, and that parmesan crust turned golden and bubbly, I thought, This might actually work. And let me tell you, when I took that first bite, it was a revelation. Creamy, cheesy, and just downright comforting—it reminded me of those family dinners where everyone went for seconds before you’d even finished your first plate.
Now, this recipe is a staple in my kitchen. It’s simple enough for a Tuesday night but feels fancy enough for company. And every time I make it, I can’t help but smile—because isn’t the best food the kind that surprises you?
Why You’ll Love This Provolone Chicken Recipe?
- No-Fuss Fancy: It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive but is secretly super easy.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: With creamy provolone and crispy parmesan, it’s cheese heaven.
- Weeknight or Weekend: Perfect for a quick family meal or when you want to impress your friends without stressing.
- Totally Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, veggies, or spices to make it your own.
- Pure Comfort Food: It’s warm, hearty, and just plain delicious—like a little pick-me-up on a plate.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe shine:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and perfect for soaking up all the cheesy goodness. Try to use ones that aren’t too thick so they cook evenly.
- Provolone Cheese: Mild and melty, it creates a creamy layer that’s totally irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a golden, crispy crust that balances the creaminess of the provolone.
- Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: The secret to keeping the chicken juicy while adding a tangy richness to the topping.
- Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder: Simple but essential for that classic Italian-inspired flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp—these basics make all the other flavors pop.
How To Make Provolone Chicken?
Step 1. Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F. If you’re anything like me, you’ve forgotten this step once or twice, so consider this your reminder.
Step 2. Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Pat them dry with a paper towel (this helps the seasoning stick), then sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3. Add the Provolone
Lay two slices of provolone cheese over each chicken breast. This step is where the magic starts—provolone melts like a dream and creates that creamy, cheesy layer everyone loves.
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Step 4. Make the Parmesan Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and grated parmesan cheese. It’s not the prettiest mixture, but trust me, this is where the magic happens. Spread it generously over the provolone.
Step 5. Bake Until Perfect
Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F if you’ve got a meat thermometer) and the topping is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—it’s worth the wait.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep the topping crisp.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe is perfect as is, but here are some ideas if you’re feeling adventurous:
- Cheese Swaps: Mozzarella, Swiss, or even sharp cheddar would work beautifully.
- Add Veggies: Layer spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers under the cheese for extra flavor.
- Herb Upgrade: Toss in fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme for a fragrant twist.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the parmesan mixture adds a subtle kick.
- Low Carb Option: Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten it up.
What to Serve with Provolone Chicken?
This dish is rich and cheesy, so it pairs well with lighter sides or anything that can soak up the sauce:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, they’re perfect for scooping up extra cheese.
- Steamed Broccoli: A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich chicken.
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs and cheese are a match made in heaven.
- Caesar Salad: The tangy dressing balances the richness of the chicken beautifully.
- Rice Pilaf: A great option if you want something simple and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the cooking time—thighs may take a little longer.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken—the juices should run clear.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
So, are you ready to give this Provolone Chicken a try? It’s cheesy, creamy, and just plain delicious—the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar. And hey, if you tweak the recipe or add your own flair, let me know! I’d love to hear how you make it your own.
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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!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Golden Baked Provolone Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 8 Slices Provolone Cheese
- ½ c Mayonnaise
- ½ c Sour Cream
- ¾ c Shredded or Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Place the chicken breasts in the dish.
- Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning together and sprinkle a bit over the chicken.
- Lay the provolone cheese slices on top of the chicken.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and parmesan cheese, then spread this mixture over the chicken.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is cooked through (reaches an internal temperature of 165°F).
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!
7 Responses
This looks fantastic! I plan on making it this week or next. Could I use boneless skinless chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken cutlets? If so, does the cooking time need adjusted? Thank you so much in advance for what I suspect will be a hit in our house!
This looks fantastic! I plan on making it this week or next. Could I use boneless skinless chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken cutlets? If so, does the cooking time need adjusted? Thank you so much in advance for what I suspect will be a hit in our house! I will keep you posted! Please let me know your thoughts regarding my question. Ty!
Hi Shannon! Thank you so much for your kind words – I’m thrilled you’re excited to try this recipe!
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless skinless chicken tenders or cutlets instead of breasts. However, since tenders and cutlets are usually thinner, the cooking time will likely need to be adjusted. I recommend starting to check for doneness around the 25-30 minute mark for tenders and 30-35 minutes for cutlets. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they’re cooked through.
I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you – please do keep me posted! 😊
Thank you! Making this
Tomorrow!
Looks great, but I wonder if I could lay a slice of prosciutto over each piece of chicken before the chees, for a flavor boost?
Hi Esther! 😊 Great question! Zucchini does indeed play a big role here, so I totally understand wanting precise measurements. For this recipe, 3.5 cups of shredded zucchini would be lightly packed, which is about 1 pound by weight. Hope this helps, and happy cooking! Let me know how it turns out!
Hello Bitty! Your Provolone Chicken recipe is absolutely delicious. My hubby is waiting for me to make it again. It was perfect with rice and broccoli. I made 2 breasts, using 1/2 the spices, and kept the last 3 ingredient amounts the same giving us lots of sauce for our rice. Thanks so much for sharing this easy recipe Bitty. It would be perfect for any dinner party and requires such a little amount of preparation. Looking forward to seeing what other recipes you have on your site now. Have a happy day!