Creamy Comfort Chicken Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Comfort Chicken Bake is the perfect dish for cozy evenings. It combines tender chicken with a rich cream sauce and melted cheese, creating a warm and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cream sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
- 1 teaspoon seasoning blend (such as garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly season the chicken breasts with the seasoning blend.
- Step 2: Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the cream sauce evenly over the top.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the cream sauce to cover the chicken.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and creamy.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the cream sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Use a mixture of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan for a richer taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute cream sauce with Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of milk.
Storage
Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before baking.
What kind of cream sauce works best?
A simple homemade cream sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and a touch of garlic works well, but store-bought versions like Alfredo sauce also make a convenient choice.
PrintCreamy Comfort Chicken Bake Recipe
Creamy Comfort Chicken Bake is a warm and hearty dish featuring tender chicken baked in a rich, creamy sauce with melted cheese and savory seasonings. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole-style bake combines simple ingredients to deliver a satisfying and comforting meal with minimal preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the chicken evenly and allowing the sauce to thicken properly.
- Prepare the cream sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, then season with salt, black pepper, dried Italian herbs, paprika, and onion powder. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, making sure they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
- Combine and assemble: Pour the prepared cream sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the cream sauce before pouring over the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: chicken bake, creamy chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken with cheese, comfort food
